The Health Committee of Parliament has ordered for the immediate closure of the Hoima City abattoir due to severe hygiene issues, including the presence of maggots and flies within the facility.
Members of Parliament discovered deplorable conditions during an oversight visit to the abattoir, attributing them to the absence of a proper drainage system, which has led to the accumulation of animal blood and excreta.
Samuel Opio, Vice Chairperson of the Health Committee, highlighted the urgent need for corrective action, warning that further delays could transform the abattoir into a breeding ground for diseases in Uganda. He emphasized the unhygienic nature of the slaughterhouse, noting inappropriate construction materials such as cement instead of terrazzo, which has contributed to the accumulation of filth and attracted pests.
“We have asked the District Veterinary Officer to temporarily shut down this facility until necessary improvements are made. The conditions here are not suitable for the slaughter of animals,” stated Opio during the committee’s inspection.
Moreover, concerns were raised about unstandardized practices observed at the abattoir, including the incomplete removal of diseased portions of animal organs, potentially exposing consumers to health risks.
“As a Committee, we are going to make our report, until the necessary corrective action is made because we found that the area is basically not hygienic at all to facilitate the slaughter of the animals within this place. We are also finding areas where the rooms and the floors aren’t made of the right materials, they are supposed to be of terrazzo, but they are of cement and holding blood, a lot of flies and dirt that is accumulated and it is making the place very filthy,” he added
The inspection revealed concerning practices at the abattoir. For instance, when liver flukes were found in a liver, only the affected portion was removed. Similarly, diseased parts of internal organs, such as the alimentary canal, were partially removed, leaving the healthy sections to be released. These practices do not adhere to standard protocols and pose potential risks to public health.
“Even in the internal organs, there some internal organs like the alimentary canal where they find disease, they simply cut the part of it and then the healthy part is released. So there are some practices that aren’t standard practices that are supposed to be followed,”Opio noted
The Health Committee intends to submit a detailed report based on their findings.
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