The European Union has earmarked 15 Million Euros to Support Uganda’s beef sector.
The money is meant to finance the development of market oriented and environmentally sustainable beef industry in Uganda.
The money will be channeled through the Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries to finance a five year beef project whose objective is to create a conducive environment for competitive and improved beef production in the country whose demand is sky rocketing both locally regionally and internationally.
According to the Assistant Commissioner Animal Diseases Control at the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr Noelina Nantima, the five year project will be implemented in 24 districts in the cattle corridor which include Bulisa, Masindi ,Masaka, Mbarara, Kiboga to mention but a few.
Meeting stakeholders in the beef sector in Masindi District, Nantima said the project will enhance beef consumption within the country and as well boost beef export.
The Commissioner said to achieve the set objectives of the project, the Ministry will be embarking on reviewing all the laws within the animal act to come up with those that can support the development of the beef industry in accordance with the design of the project.
“In this project, the public and private sector will work together to promote an environmentally -sustainable -resilient, low -emission climate while promoting gender balance in the beef sector. As government, we hope that if the project is fully implemented, it will increase farmers earning thus improving their standards of living ” she said.
A number of abattoirs in the 24 districts are to benefit from the project. Similarly, government is expected to construct modern slaughtering house across the 24 benefiting districts and this is aimed at improving on the level of hygiene which is a key factor in the beef industry.
The five years beef project is expected to be launched on the 20th March 2018 at avenue which is yet to be decided by the Ministry of Agriculture.