The Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), today announced a comprehensive series of initiatives aimed at ensuring the production of hygienic, safe meat. These measures reflect the government’s commitment to safeguarding veterinary public health by modernizing abattoirs and slaughterhouses and establishing a robust policy environment for proper meat handling.To ensure that safe meat is provided to the public, MAAIF is collaborating closely with key stakeholders including the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, District Local Governments, the Ministry of Health, NEMA, UNBS, and several development partners. This cooperation is designed to prevent food-borne diseases and zoonoses—diseases transmissible between animals and humans—by mandating that all meat slaughter facilities, both public and private, meet the public health standards issued by UNBS. These regulations also minimize environmental pollution through proper waste management and ensure the humane treatment of animals destined for slaughter, ultimately leading to high-quality meat products for both local consumption and international trade.MAAIF is working assiduously to enforce nationally established standards, including the design and operational requirements for abattoirs (US 734) and hygienic standards for butcheries (US 736). A series of targeted measures have been implemented, including:National Guidelines: Issuing comprehensive guidelines for the establishment of meat slaughter and handling facilities that specify strict health and safety standards.Inspection Kits: Distributing over 1,200 meat inspection kits to all sub-counties across the country.Capacity Building: Periodically retooling meat inspectors with modern, risk-based meat inspection skills.Innovative Transport Solutions: Developing specialized meat transportation vessels, mounted on motorcycles, to ensure hygienic handling and transport of meat—a project supported by the EU-MOBIP initiative.Regulatory Enforcement: Mandating that operators of abattoirs and slaughterhouses comply with established design and hygienic standards, with non-compliant facilities facing legal penalties. A standard design for medium-scale slaughterhouses is available and can be customized as needed.Regular Supervision: Conducting both periodic and impromptu inspections of meat slaughter facilities and the practices of meat handlers.Technical Guidance: Providing technical guidance and registration assistance in collaboration with district local governments.Public Awareness: Promoting awareness campaigns via radio talk shows and other media platforms to educate the public on the benefits of consuming safe meat. Infrastructure Development:Under the NALPIP project (2004–2012), 25 slaughterhouses and 23 livestock markets were constructed in the cattle corridor.With funding from the World Bank under the Regional Livelihood Pastoral Resilience Project (2014–2019), additional slaughterhouses, markets, quarantine stations, border checkpoints, and complementary infrastructure were established in Karamoja, Teso, and Sebei sub-regions.The EU MOBIP project (2015–2020) saw the launch of a modern abattoir at Sanga, equipped with state-of-the-art transportation facilities.Private Sector Support: Assisting private companies to establish export abattoirs in districts such as Kazo, Luweero, and Nakasongola to boost both local and international trade.Data Management: Establishing a comprehensive database of slaughter facilities across Uganda.Farm Oversight: Conducting farm inspections and providing technical backstopping for feedlot farmers to ensure that only healthy, well-grown animals are supplied to slaughter facilities.Vaccination Programs: Ensuring all animals are vaccinated against notifiable diseases like Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) to support animal and public health.Urban Initiatives: Collaborating with the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development to fast-track the establishment of standard meat slaughter facilities in nine cities and eleven municipalities.Dr. Henry Nakalet Opolot, Acting Permanent Secretary of MAAIF, commented, “Our commitment to public health and food safety drives every investment in our abattoir infrastructure. By enforcing rigorous standards and modernizing our meat inspection processes, we are ensuring that Ugandan consumers enjoy safe, high-quality meat products while also enhancing international trade opportunities.”Implications: These measures are expected to significantly reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses, minimize environmental impacts, and streamline Uganda’s ability to meet international trade standards. The initiatives represent a holistic approach—combining infrastructure development, capacity building, and stringent regulatory oversight—to transform Uganda’s meat production and public health landscape. The post Uganda Steps Up Meat Safety With Upgraded Meat Slaughter Facilities And Enhanced Inspection Standards appeared first on Business Focus.