Authorities in Kabale District have launched a new livestock market in Katuna Town Council as part of efforts to boost local revenue collection and tap into the growing livestock trade in the region.
The market, inaugurated on Wednesday, is situated in Kamuganguzi and Nyamengo villages in Kiniogo Ward, Katuna Town Council.
During the launch, local leaders elected an eight-member market management committee headed by Andrew Keizire to oversee operations and work closely with authorities in combating livestock theft.
Speaking at the event, Kabale District Senior Veterinary Officer, Dr. Angella Anyongyeire, said cattle from Kabale are highly sought after in local markets, presenting significant income opportunities for farmers and traders.
Dr. Anyongyeire noted that the temporary closure of livestock markets in parts of the Ankole sub-region following outbreaks of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) presents an opportunity for Kabale District to strengthen its livestock trade.
However, she raised concerns about reports that some security personnel impose unauthorized charges on cattle traders and allow the movement of livestock without proper permits, practices she said undermine efforts to regulate the sector.
She revealed that livestock traders had already expressed interest in using the new market and urged farmers to increase production to meet growing demand.
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Katuna Town Council Mayor, Elivis Byonanebye Nzeirwe, described the launch as a major milestone, recalling that a previous livestock market at Kabarisa failed to thrive.
He expressed confidence that the area’s large livestock population would sustain the new market, estimating that more than 100 head of cattle could be traded weekly.
The mayor urged traders to comply with market regulations and warned the management committee against extorting traders. He also called for vigilance to prevent the sale of stolen animals.
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Kabale District Chief Administrative Officer, Robert Mugabe, commended district leaders for extending markets to different sub-counties to improve access for both livestock and agricultural produce traders.
He revealed plans to establish additional produce and general merchandise markets in Butanda Sub-county and Ryakarimira Town Council.
Mugabe encouraged farmers and traders to pay market dues promptly to support local revenue generation and emphasized the importance of livestock movement permits and travel documents in curbing animal theft.
He also pledged to engage district security leaders over allegations of illegal charges imposed by security personnel at roadblocks.
Additionally, Mugabe encouraged residents to embrace mixed farming, particularly coffee growing, as a reliable source of household income.
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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, stressing that security agencies are not mandated to collect revenue. He pledged to raise the matter at the District Security Committee meeting to ensure it is addressed.
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