Kampala Abattoirs Struggle with Serious Hygiene Issues

Kampala’s abattoirs are grappling with significant sanitation challenges that raise concerns about public health and safety. Uganda Meat Packers Limited (City Abattoir), one of the oldest and largest slaughterhouses in Kampala, illustrates the dire conditions faced by slaughter facilities in the city.
Operating on Old Port Bell Road, the City Abattoir is a bustling hub of activity throughout the week, with its grounds housing various businesses including restaurants, mobile money kiosks, and food vendors. Despite the busy nature of the establishment, its infrastructure has deteriorated over time, leading to serious sanitation concerns.
During an inspection on September 19, 2024, the parliamentary health committee, led by Hoima West MP Joseph Ruyonga, emphasized the urgent need for government intervention in addressing these issues. The committee observed that the abattoir’s drainage system, which should handle waste from animals, such as blood, urine, and dung, has collapsed, causing waste to accumulate in various sections of the facility.
The absence of an incinerator for disposing of animal parts discarded during slaughter also poses a serious health risk. John Bosco Kiddu, one of the abattoir’s leaders, confirmed that the facility lacks sufficient sewage infrastructure, explaining that the existing sewage line only serves the toilets and showers.
Efforts to maintain cleanliness are hampered by financial constraints, particularly the high cost of water. Kiddu mentioned that the abattoir is cleaned every two weeks, but ideally, cleaning should be done every three days. However, the cost of water makes it impossible to meet this standard.
The facility also faces high water bills due to its outdated water system, which frequently breaks down. Stephen Katambula, another leader at the abattoir, stated that the financial burden of these bills has made it difficult to invest in necessary renovations for the 89-year-old slaughterhouse.
Concerns were raised by MPs about the lack of proper records for incineration of dead animals and infected organs, which could pose a risk to public health. Kole North MP Samuel Opio Acuti noted that it remains unclear how waste from slaughtered animals is being disposed of, emphasizing the potential dangers to the public.
Buikwe South MP Lulume Bayiga stressed the importance of maintaining high standards of hygiene, especially since meat from the City Abattoir supplies hotels, schools, and restaurants across Kampala. “This facility should be a symbol of hygiene, but high utility bills and deteriorating infrastructure make it difficult to maintain the necessary standards,” Bayiga said.
In response, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has been working with the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) to negotiate lower water bills for the facility. According to David Musunga, KCCA’s Deputy Director of Marketing and Production, section leaders have been appointed to help manage operations in accordance with the 2023 Market Act. However, the combination of meat production and market stalls at the abattoir has complicated efforts to improve sanitation.
Challenges at City Abattoir
Details
Poor Drainage System
Waste from animals (blood, urine, dung) accumulates in sections
Lack of Incinerator
No facility to destroy discarded animal parts
Inadequate Cleaning
Facility cleaned every two weeks due to high water costs
Outdated Water System
Breakdowns result in excessive water wastage
Financial Constraints
High water bills hinder necessary renovations
Kalerwe Abattoir, another slaughterhouse in the city, faces similar challenges despite being more spacious than Uganda Meat Packers Limited. The proprietors of Kalerwe Abattoir, Hajji Ahmed Kezala and Captain Denis Odre, have submitted plans to KCCA for a modern abattoir, but these plans have yet to be approved.
Daniel Okello, KCCA’s Director of Public Health, explained that the submitted designs did not meet the required standards, which include specifications for adequate space. KCCA has asked for revisions, and approval will be granted once the standards are met.
The sanitation and infrastructure issues affecting Kampala’s abattoirs highlight the need for urgent action to ensure the safety of the public and to improve working conditions at these facilities. Until significant upgrades are made, the challenges faced by these slaughterhouses will continue to pose risks to the city’s population.
Facility
Challenges
Proposed Solutions
City Abattoir
Poor drainage, lack of incinerator, high costs
KCCA-NWSC water bill negotiations, renovations
Kalerwe Abattoir
Space issues, sanitation problems
Awaiting KCCA approval for modern abattoir plans