By Bruno Mugizi
Authorities in Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality are worried that the quarantine imposed on both livestock and live products by the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry in Bushenyi District over the outbreak of foot and mouth disease could hurt the economy and revenue collection in the municipality.
On February 15, 2024, the agriculture ministry announced a quarantine through a letter to the Bushenyi District Local Government restricting the movement of livestock and their products.
Richard Byaruhanga, the Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality mayor said they are operating under a budget and that some of the areas they have been getting local revenue from like slaughter fees have been affected.
He said areas like Kabagarame pork market, municipality abattoirs in Nyakabirizi and Ishaka among others were some of the sources of local revenues for Bushenyi Ishaka municipality.
The Bushenyi District RDC Robert Atuhairwe however warned those who will be found violating the quarantine guidelines that they will be dealt with accordingly.
Almost 40 districts have been affected and quarantines imposed following the outbreak of foot and mouth disease.
Agriculture minister Frank Tumwebaze earlier this month told Parliament that the government is seeking support for a supplementary budget to procure another 10 million doses to cover all the affected and high-risk districts.
