By Godfrey Ojore
The leadership of Kumi and Bukedea districts have decried the low revenue collection due to the quarantine instituted a month ago by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industries and Fisheries (MAAIF).
The quarantine was imposed following the outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease that was first reported in the sub-counties of Komuge, Koina, and Kongung in Bukedea district.
“People have been greatly affected because it was through the sale of cattle that they are able to send their children to school, but all cattle markets have been closed,” said the district chairperson, Mary Akol.
Bukedea has an estimated 65,000 cattle that are to be vaccinated but the government sent 21,000 doses of vaccines.
“We hope that the ministry sends more doses to enable us to cover the entire district,” said the district veterinary officer, Dr. Francis Ongelch.
He did not disclose when the quarantine shall be lifted explaining that the lifting is solely on the Ministry of Agriculture.
Bukedea has the biggest cattle market that has been generating revenue for supporting the town council and the district, but ever since the quarantine was imposed, Akol said the district has been hit.
Nelson Akol, the LC5 Kumi says that the government should consider receding its decision explaining that the continuous quarantine may cause insecurity.
“Cattle markets get us revenue for running lower administrative units because each lower administrative unit is allowed to retain 65% of the revenue while 35% is sent to the district. That money supports in facilitating the sitting of the councillors as well as other activities,” Elungat.
The deadly disease was reported in Adami, Atutur, Anapa, Tisai and Ongino sub-counties.
Akol, who is calling on the government to speed up the vaccination program, noted that farmers are greatly affected as they struggle to get resources for the upkeep of their families.
