Hoima butchers ordered to relocate to new slaughterhouse
He emphasized that anyone found operating outside the designated facility after the deadline will face legal action.
Hoima: Hoima City authorities have directed all butchers operating within the city to relocate to the newly constructed slaughterhouse in Bulera Cell, Hoima East Division, effective September 1, 2025.
The directive was issued by Hoima Resident City Commissioner (RCC), Hajji Badru Mugabi, during a meeting with the butchers at Kiryateete, the site of the current slaughterhouse on Tuesday.
Mugabi revealed that the existing facility had been condemned by the city’s health department due to its extremely poor condition. He described it as “dirty, stinky, and infested with maggots,” adding that it posed a serious public health risk.
“We understand that butchers had no alternative until now, but the situation must change. The new slaughterhouse will officially open on August 25, 2025, and by September 1, all slaughter activities must shift to the new facility,” Mugabi said.
He emphasized that anyone found operating outside the designated facility after the deadline will face legal action.
Some butchers raised concerns over the relocation, citing possible job losses, especially among workers who rely on the current facility, accessibility challenges, especially for small-scale traders and strict dress code requirements, which they said would require new and costly uniforms.
Hoima City Mayor Brian Kaboyo defended the directive, arguing that the new facility is located only five kilometers from the city center, which he believes is a manageable distance for all stakeholders.
“This move is long overdue. We are not only upgrading hygiene standards but also modernizing our city’s meat supply chain,” Kaboyo stated.
He further revealed that plans are underway to construct a mini-market at the current slaughterhouse site, which has been in use for over 40 years and is due for demolition.
The new slaughterhouse, constructed in 2022 under the Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID) program, cost the government UGX 27 billion.
It is expected to improve meat hygiene and safety standards, waste disposal systems and working conditions for butchers and meat inspectors.
City authorities have given all butchers up to August 31, 2025, to complete the relocation process and comply with the new operating procedures.
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