City authorities sells impounded cattle
Nov 05, 2009
KAMPALA City Council (KCC) on Tuesday auctioned 21 cattle belonging to Margaret Rwomushana, a city resident. The cattle were seized in an operation against stray animals.
By Florence Nakaayi
KAMPALA City Council (KCC) on Tuesday auctioned 21 cattle belonging to Margaret Rwomushana, a city resident. The cattle were seized in an operation against stray animals.
The auctioning was carried out by Smart Auctioneers, a private firm, at the City Abattoir on behalf of KCC.
In a letter to the auctioneers, acting town clerk Ruth Kijjambu quoted the Cattle Grazing Act and KCC livestock ordinance, which empowers KCC to impound and sell any livestock that remains unclaimed for seven days.
The cattle were impounded while grazing on the Nakivubo Channel reserve in Industrial Area in Kampala three weeks ago, according to the principal law officer, Vincent Katungi.
A total of eight goats and three sheep were also impounded.
District veterinary officer Emilian Ahimbisibwe said: “I have never received any complainant since the livestock was impounded on October, 13. We could not continue keeping them because they can spread diseases to others.â€
Before the auction was complete, Rwomushana surfaced, threatening the KCC officials.
“My cattle were not found loitering on streets. They were instead removed from the kraal, which the law enforcement officers destroyed together with my house,†she said.
She added that she was involved in a land wrangle, saying her rival used KCC to get her evicted.
“I got these cows from my sweat. I have no problem with you. You can slaughter the cattle but KCC will answer,†Rwomushana told the men at the abattoir.
Observers said this was the first time in over 20 years that KCC had auctioned impounded cattle.
Usually, KCC impounds cattle, but returns them to the owners after they pay a fine and accept to adhere to the city regulations, an eyewitness said.
KAMPALA City Council (KCC) on Tuesday auctioned 21 cattle belonging to Margaret Rwomushana, a city resident. The cattle were seized in an operation against stray animals.
The auctioning was carried out by Smart Auctioneers, a private firm, at the City Abattoir on behalf of KCC.
In a letter to the auctioneers, acting town clerk Ruth Kijjambu quoted the Cattle Grazing Act and KCC livestock ordinance, which empowers KCC to impound and sell any livestock that remains unclaimed for seven days.
The cattle were impounded while grazing on the Nakivubo Channel reserve in Industrial Area in Kampala three weeks ago, according to the principal law officer, Vincent Katungi.
A total of eight goats and three sheep were also impounded.
District veterinary officer Emilian Ahimbisibwe said: “I have never received any complainant since the livestock was impounded on October, 13. We could not continue keeping them because they can spread diseases to others.â€
Before the auction was complete, Rwomushana surfaced, threatening the KCC officials.
“My cattle were not found loitering on streets. They were instead removed from the kraal, which the law enforcement officers destroyed together with my house,†she said.
She added that she was involved in a land wrangle, saying her rival used KCC to get her evicted.
“I got these cows from my sweat. I have no problem with you. You can slaughter the cattle but KCC will answer,†Rwomushana told the men at the abattoir.
Observers said this was the first time in over 20 years that KCC had auctioned impounded cattle.
Usually, KCC impounds cattle, but returns them to the owners after they pay a fine and accept to adhere to the city regulations, an eyewitness said.