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What has angered the butchers the most is that the authorities are collecting the new fees under the protection of armed police officers. (Photo by Bruno Mugizi)
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By Bruno Mugizi
SHEEMA - Butchers in Sheema Municipality, Sheema District, are protesting the hike in slaughtering fees.
The butchers have been paying Shillings 5,000 for each goat or pig slaughtered and Shillings 9,000 for a cow. However, the municipal veterinary department has ordered them to start paying Shillings 7,000 for each goat or pig and Shillings 13,000 per cow.
Kiiza Morris Nuunu, the Chairperson of the Sheema Municipality Babagi Twetungure Association, says the butchers were surprised by the revised slaughter fees. He explains that the authorities have not provided any reasons for the increase. Morris adds that what has angered the butchers the most is that the authorities are collecting the new fees under the protection of armed police officers.
Butchers accuse Municipal authorities of hiking slaughter fees. (Photos Bruno Mugizi)
According to Morris, they have received credible information that Dr. Namanya Richard, the Sheema Municipality veterinary officer, is behind the tender to collect slaughtering fees—allegations that he denies. Musa Kaketo, another butcher, protested the increment, calling it exorbitant and unjustifiable. He said the municipal veterinary authorities are threatening to arrest those who hesitate to pay.
"The veterinary authorities are threatening to arrest any of us who hesitate to pay," he said.
Nyanzi Ismail, the association's secretary, accuses the municipal authorities of increasing the slaughtering fees without sensitizing the butchers. He said they have written to the municipal authorities, demanding a revision of the fees to allow the butchers to remain in business.
Sheema Municipal Council Mayor, Abel Kahara, acknowledged the misunderstandings between the municipal authorities and the butchers over who should collect the slaughter fees and promised to resolve the matter.
Torch Media Africa
