A significant segment of the public has raised alarming concerns regarding the inhumane methods employed in the transportation of animals and poultry to livestock markets and abattoirs across the country.
Advocates emphasize that the harsh practices of whipping, tail twisting, head twisting, and the use of sharp instruments to injure the animals coincide with excessive overloading, which collectively undermine the quality of the meat produced.
On October 22, a truck carrying approximately 20 head of cattle from Nakaseke District heading towards Kampala City abruptly halted at Naluvule Village, situated about 6 kilometers from Luweero Town along the Kampala-Gulu highway.
This unexpected stop occurred after one of the animal handlers noticed that a cow was gasping for air due to being strangled by ropes tied excessively around its neck. Consequently, the distressed animal had to be offloaded and slaughtered at the roadside due to its precarious condition.
A boda boda rider, who came to assist and procure sharp knives for skinning the animal, revealed that the transporters were engrossed in a blame game regarding the unfortunate situation of the cow.
“These animals have not had any water for two days. We have transported them for over 280 kilometers from Masindi via Nakaseke District without adequate access to water and food. We might lose more animals,” one of the transporters was overheard saying, as relayed by the boda boda cyclist.
Mr. Abdul Ssengendo, a concerned resident of Kalerwe in Kampala City, explains that the animals must be subdued in order to facilitate easy transportation, a process that often involves cruel practices.
“You have to twist and tie their tails against poles. This is a bit [wrong] because you almost cut off the blood flow, and often the tail develops a darkish hue due to the restricted blood circulation, resulting in a deceptively calm animal,” Mr. Ssengendo elaborates further.
Mr. Yudah Ssendagire, a butcher operating in Wobulenzi Town Council, Luweero District, comments on the behavior of the animal transporters, colloquially referred to as Bayana, who have become accustomed to employing brutal tactics while handling the animals during transit.
“For particularly stubborn animals, a sharp stick is pushed through the eye and the nose. These individuals are heartless and resort to cruel means to subdue the animals. I could no longer bear this type of work after witnessing the extreme brutality inflicted on the animals,” he admits, reflecting on his experience.
In the year 2022, the Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries took significant steps by drafting comprehensive guidelines and standard operating procedures focused on the humane handling and transportation of live animals in Uganda.
The Animals’ Prevention of Cruelty Act Cap 39 explicitly prohibits inhumane practices such as whipping animals, twisting or tying their tails and heads, as well as applying undue pressure on sensitive parts that lead to pain and suffering.
Traffic police officers stationed along the Kampala-Gulu and the Kampala-Hoima highways acknowledge that they are aware of the cruel realities faced by animals during transit.
“While we frequently arrest overloaded cattle trucks, we are still awaiting a circular that outlines the animal handling process to enforce the guidelines effectively. Numerous cows arrive with their tails twisted and heads hanging precariously by their horns during transit,” a police traffic officer at a checkpoint on the Kampala-Gulu highway informed Daily Monitor.
Dr. John Mary Gibugonyi, a retired veterinary officer, warns that over 50 percent of the meat available in urban abattoirs is substandard and poses safety risks, primarily due to the improper handling techniques employed en route to slaughter.
“By the time these animals reach the slaughterhouse, they are severely stressed, which compromises the quality of the meat. Animals subjected to whipping, tail and head twisting, as well as piercing with sharp objects, cannot produce safe animal products, including meat,” he asserts.
The Ministry of Agriculture’s Permanent Secretary, Maj Gen David Kasura Kyomukama, stresses that the detrimental conditions under which animals are transported have a direct impact on both the quality of livestock products and the overall health of the animals themselves.
“While we have guidelines established, enforcement appears to be the core problem. The ministry lacks its own dedicated enforcement team to ensure adherence to these guidelines. Additionally, there are district veterinary teams responsible for monitoring compliance by transporters,” he explains.
Furthermore, the government is making plans to construct abattoirs and meat processing facilities in rural areas to minimize the transportation of live animals. “The development of livestock value chain infrastructure is ongoing through government-private partnerships. We have already established a modern abattoir in Migeera (Nakasongola), and the revival of the Soroti Meat Packers is also in the works, among other strategic initiatives,” he states.
According to data from the Animal Health Department at the Ministry of Agriculture for 2019, approximately 436,073 live animals and 65,231 poultry were transported between and within 58 districts. Furthermore, the data indicates that a staggering 87.49 percent of the transported animals were designated for slaughter, while 12.5 percent were intended for sale.
**Interview with Dr. John Mary Gibugonyi: Addressing Animal Welfare in Transportation**
*Editor:* Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Gibugonyi. As a retired veterinary officer and an advocate for animal welfare, can you shed light on the serious concerns surrounding the transportation of livestock in Uganda?
*Dr. Gibugonyi:* Thank you for having me. The situation is indeed alarming. Recent reports indicate that inhumane practices during the transportation of animals are not just prevalent but are widespread. These methods not only cause immense suffering to the animals but also compromise the quality of meat that reaches consumers.
*Editor:* We’ve seen testimonies from various witnesses about brutal practices, including whipping and tail twisting. Can you explain how these actions affect the animals?
*Dr. Gibugonyi:* These actions are not just barbaric; they have severe physiological consequences. For instance, twisting and tying the tail restricts blood flow and can lead to serious injuries or even permanent damage. An animal in pain is also more likely to produce poor-quality meat, which poses health risks for consumers.
*Editor:* What about the regulations in place? Are there any efforts by the government to improve the situation?
*Dr. Gibugonyi:* The Ministry of Agriculture did draft guidelines last year aimed at humane handling. However, enforcement remains a significant challenge. Traffic police have noted that they’re aware of the cruelty but lack definitive guidance on handling these cases. The law is there, but without proper training and resources, its implementation is nearly impossible.
*Editor:* So, what immediate actions do you think are necessary to address these issues?
*Dr. Gibugonyi:* First, we need stringent enforcement of existing animal welfare laws. This includes regular inspections of transport practices and imposing penalties for non-compliance. Second, education and training for transporters and handlers are vital. They should understand the impact of their methods not just on the animals but on the consumer market as well.
*Editor:* And what role can the public play in this situation?
*Dr. Gibugonyi:* The public can be instrumental in calling out these practices. Reporting instances of cruel transportation methods can put pressure on authorities to act. Additionally, consumers can choose to support businesses that prioritize humane practices, thereby encouraging a shift within the industry.
*Editor:* Thank you, Dr. Gibugonyi, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that addressing animal welfare in transportation is essential for both ethical and health reasons.
*Dr. Gibugonyi:* Thank you for raising this important topic. Together, we can work towards humane treatment of animals and ensure safety in our food supply.
