Apac, Uganda: A proposal by Apac Municipal Council to zone slaughter areas within the municipality has sparked outrage among members of the business community, who accuse the authorities of misusing public funds and ignoring more pressing development priorities.
The plan, unveiled during a budget consultative meeting at Mebos Lounge Hotel in Apac Town, would see the council establish designated slaughter zones for cows, pigs, sheep, goats, and poultry, alongside a new modern animal plant and veterinary clinic.
Town Clerk Paul Muboki defended the initiative, saying it aims to improve hygiene, order, and regulation within the meat trade. “We are happy to inform you that very soon we are zoning slaughter units for cows, pigs, sheep, goats, and poultry,” Mr. Muboki announced.
However, several business leaders denounced the proposal as ill-timed and wasteful.
Mr. Denis Obete, Chairperson of the Apac Chamber of Commerce, said the municipality is “getting its priorities wrong” by focusing on zoning instead of addressing basic service gaps.
“You’re already complaining about poor tax compliance — property tax, street parking tax, and more. Now you introduce slaughter zoning? It’s a waste of time and public resources in a young municipality like Apac,” Obete argued.
Mr. Lamex Abongo, a businessman and proprietor of Kobil Petrol Station Apac, called on the municipal leadership to reconsider the plan. “Come up with a realistic, inclusive plan that reflects the immediate needs of the people,” he urged.
Eng. James Ajal, a member of the Apac Municipal Development Forum, questioned the logic of prioritizing zoning while critical infrastructure remains neglected. “We still have roads that are nearly impassable and plots that remain undeveloped in the middle of town. These are the basics we need fixed before talking about zoning slaughter units,” he said.
Fake Agricultural Inputs Flood Market
Meanwhile, Ms. Akite Anna Grace, the Municipal Production and Marketing Officer, raised alarm over the increasing sale of fake agricultural inputs in Apac’s markets. She said some agro-input dealers continue to supply substandard seeds to farmers, undermining government efforts under the Parish Development Model (PDM).
Ms. Akite revealed that since its inception, Apac Municipality has received Shs 6.142 billion under PDM, distributed across four divisions as follows: Agulu Division: Shs 1.535 billion, Akere Division: Shs 1.208 billion, Atik Division: Shs 1.228 billion and Arocha Division: Shs 2.149 billion.
She therefore cautioned that unless the funds are utilized transparently, the programme’s intended benefits may not reach communities. “Some of these funds have not been used responsibly. We must ensure transparency and efficiency to realize tangible results,” she warned.
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