Uganda Muslims Face Higher Livestock Costs for Eid al-Adha

Muslim humanitarian organizations in Uganda are scaling back their planned animal slaughters for the upcoming Eid al-Adha celebrations, citing significant increases in livestock and transportation costs. The festival, which commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son, is a time for distributing meat to vulnerable communities.

Hajjat Shaniah Kigozi, country director for One Ummah Uganda, highlighted the financial strain, noting that a cow that cost Shs1.5 million last year now fetches around Shs2 million. This surge in farm-gate prices has directly impacted the number of animals her organization can slaughter, with plans reduced to approximately 400 cattle.

The increased cost of livestock is also reflected in urban markets, where beef prices have climbed. In Kampala and its environs, consumers are now paying between Shs20,000 and Shs23,000 per kilogramme of beef, a notable increase from earlier in the year. Butchers like Gibril Sekasi in Wakiso District report that these high prices have persisted since the Christmas season.

Social Humanitarian Aid Delivery Uganda (SHADU) faces similar challenges. Dr. Idd Sirajuddin Menya, SHADU’s chairperson, explained that disease outbreaks have led to losses, while escalating fuel prices have driven up operational expenditures. Although SHADU aims to maintain last year’s figure of 2,500 cow slaughters, sheep numbers have seen a drastic reduction from 5,000 to 1,000.

Other groups like Sena Foundation are also adjusting their activities. They plan to slaughter 400 cows for distribution in districts including Kotido and Luweero, with a cow weighing around 120 kilogrammes costing approximately Shs1.7 million in Karamoja.

Adding to these domestic pressures, some Muslim aid agencies report a decline in donor support. Issa Katungulu, a coordinator for several humanitarian agencies, pointed to conflicts in the Middle East diverting charitable attention and resources away from other regions. This reduced funding may force some organizations to forgo slaughtering any animals this year.

This source is from the Daily Monitor (Uganda).