The Chairperson of the Nsooba Slaughterhouse Traders Association in Kalerwe, Kawempe Division, Salongo Suleiman Ssekanyo, has called on the government to take decisive action against individuals dealing in substandard animal pesticides, warning that such practices are contributing to unsafe meat products on the market.
Ssekanyo made the remarks on April 4, 2026, during an interview at his office in Kalerwe while commenting on the status of beef supply ahead of the Easter festive season.
He expressed deep concern over reports that unscrupulous traders are distributing counterfeit and substandard livestock pesticides. According to him, this poses serious health risks to consumers, as contaminated meat products may find their way onto the market.
He emphasized the need for the government to strengthen the capacity of joint monitoring mechanisms among stakeholders, particularly through intelligence-led operations aimed at curbing the illegal trade.
Ssekanyo noted that beef is a highly sensitive and valuable commodity that must be protected from exploitation by unqualified individuals. He urged authorities to ensure that offenders are apprehended and prosecuted in courts of law.
He further observed that the livestock supply chain has recently faced disruptions due to prolonged government quarantine measures imposed on more than 40 districts within the cattle corridor. This, he said, affected the number of animals delivered to the market.
However, he expressed optimism that the gradual lifting of the quarantine is beginning to improve the supply of livestock, thereby stabilizing the market.
Ssekanyo also pledged continued collaboration with Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and key government ministries, including the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, as well as other stakeholders in the animal value chain.
He stressed that such partnerships are essential in strengthening and safeguarding the sector for the benefit of all stakeholders.
