Kabale District Launches Livestock Market to Boost Local Revenue and Livestock Trade

By Alex Byakatonda

 

Communications Officer-Kabale

 

Kabale District leaders have officially launched a new livestock market in Katuna Town Council as part of efforts to enhance local revenue collection and tap into the growing livestock trade in the region.

 

The market, inaugurated on Wednesday, is located in Kamuganguzi and Nyamengo villages in Kiniogo Ward, Katuna Town Council.

 

During the launch, leaders also elected an eight-member market management committee headed by Andrew Keizire. The committee has been tasked with overseeing the market’s operations and working closely with authorities to combat livestock theft.

 

Speaking at the event, Kabale District Senior Veterinary Officer, Dr. Angella Anyongyeire, noted that cattle from Kabale are highly sought after in local markets, presenting significant income opportunities for farmers and traders.

 

She explained that the temporary closure of livestock markets in some districts of the Ankole sub-region due to outbreaks of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) has created an opportunity for Kabale to strengthen its livestock trade.

 

Dr. Anyongyeire, however, raised concerns over some security personnel who allegedly impose unauthorized charges on cattle traders and allow the movement of livestock without proper permits, undermining efforts to regulate the sector.

 

She revealed that livestock traders had already expressed interest in using the new market and urged farmers and traders to increase production in order to meet the growing demand.

 

Katuna Town Council Mayor, Elivis Byonanebye Nzeirwe, described the launch as a major milestone, recalling that a previous livestock market established at Kabarisa failed to thrive.

 

He said the area has a large livestock population capable of sustaining the market and expressed optimism that more than 100 head of cattle could be traded weekly.

 

“The market will improve people’s livelihoods by bringing livestock trading services closer to farmers,” he said.

 

The mayor urged traders to observe market regulations and cautioned the market committee against extorting traders. He also called for vigilance against the sale of stolen animals.

 

Kabale District Chief Administrative Officer, Robert Mugabe, commended the district leadership for extending markets to different sub-counties to improve access to markets for both livestock and agricultural produce.

 

He revealed plans to establish additional produce and general merchandise markets in Butanda Sub-county and Ryakarimira Town Council.

 

Mugabe encouraged traders and farmers to pay market dues promptly to support local revenue generation. He emphasized the importance of livestock movement permits and travel documents in controlling animal theft.

 

He also pledged to engage district security leaders to address reports of illegal charges imposed by security personnel at roadblocks.

 

In addition, Mugabe encouraged residents to embrace mixed farming, with particular emphasis on coffee growing as a source of household income.

 

Presiding over the launch, Kabale District LCV Chairperson Denis Nzeirwe Ndyomugyenyi said his long-term vision is to transform the market into a regional livestock trading hub.

 

He explained that the district established the market to retain revenue that local traders previously spent in livestock markets outside Kabale and to improve farmers’ incomes through easier access to markets.

 

Ndyomugyenyi condemned the practice of security officers collecting unauthorized fees from traders, noting that security agencies are not mandated to collect revenue.

 

“There are established government systems for revenue collection. Any trader who is asked to pay illegal charges should report the matter to the relevant authorities,” he said.

 

The district chairperson pledged to raise the issue at the District Security Committee meeting to ensure it is addressed.

 

He also commended Julius Arineitwe for volunteering land that enabled the establishment of the livestock market.

 

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