The Chairperson of Nsooba Slaughter House in Kalerwe, Kawempe Division, Hajji Salongo Ssekanyo Suleiman, has attributed the low supply of animals during this year’s Eid al-Adha season to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Speaking to this website on May 27, 2026, during Eid al-Adha celebrations, Ssekanyo said the current shortage has greatly affected the local meat market.
According to him, the sharp decline in the supply of animals has largely been caused by the continuing military tensions in the Middle East, particularly involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Ssekanyo explained that the slaughter house has so far slaughtered only 230 animals, far below the usual numbers recorded during the Eid al-Adha season. He noted that many traditional donors and buyers from Middle Eastern countries such as Turkey and Iran, who normally purchase animals in bulk for distribution in African countries, are currently unable to do so due to financial constraints caused by the conflict and the wider global economic slowdown.
He further observed that rising fuel prices have worsened the situation by increasing transportation costs, leading to reduced supply and distribution of animals to local markets.
At Nsooba Slaughter House, beef is currently selling at UGX 17,000 per kilogram, while retail butcheries are charging up to UGX 20,000 per kilogram.
Ssekanyo also expressed concern over growing competition from well-funded international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), which are reportedly purchasing animals locally for distribution to beneficiaries across the country.
“As local animal dealers, we are struggling to compete with wealthy organizations that are buying animals in large numbers for charitable distribution. This has pushed farm gate prices higher, alongside the increasing fuel costs,” he said.
