Livestock Traders in Rukungiri Rejoice as Foot-and-Mouth Quarantine is Lifted

Rukungiri: A section of livestock traders and producers in Rukungiri District are relieved and excited after the quarantine imposed due to foot-and-mouth disease was lifted, allowing them to resume business and sell their animals in the local markets.

Speaking with our news reporter on January 29, at Nyamayeje Market in Southern Division, Rukungiri Municipality, Augustine Kananura, Chairperson of the Rukungiri Foundation for Community Development Association, expressed joy over the market reopening. He noted that traders had endured financial hardships, as they had invested in their livestock but were unable to sell due to the quarantine.

Cue in…..KANANURA //RR

Meanwhile, traders including Simon Nyerwanire from Kebisoni Town Council, Emmanuel Orikiriza Muzade from Kyamakanda Buyanja, and Ahabwe Owene shared their struggles, saying that despite the market reopening, they are still facing challenges due to a low number of buyers. They, however, remain hopeful that the next market day will be better.

Cue in…..VOXPOP //RR

In a letter dated 24th January 2025, the Chief Administrative Officer of Rukungiri District, Hajji Swalik Masokoyi Wasswa, received communication from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries announcing the lifting of the ban. The restrictions had been in place since April 2024 following outbreaks of the disease, which halted the movement of cattle, goats, sheep, and their products.