By Sarah Akullu
Parliament wants government to move fast and remove all animals loitering on roads and other areas because they pose a great danger to road users.
The call was made by Packwach District Woman MP as a matter of national importance during a parliament plenary sitting on Thursday 4th chaired by the Deputy Speaker, Jacob Oulanyah.
Hon Pacuto said that there is need for government to control both the movement of animals in the city as it has continued to disrupt Ugandans from conducting their day to day activities. She added that transportation of animals should also be handled in a proper manner because most are poorly handled and usually end up emotionally stressed.
“These animals are seen on the streets and along highways or near buildings. This practice has impacted negatively on the road users,” Hon Pacuto said.
Deputy Speaker Oulanyah also tasked government to ensure that the issue of loitering animals is handled with urgency because it’s not the first time the issue is being raised.
The Government Chief Whip, Ruth Nankabirwa, promised to look into the matter with the leader of government business and give feedback.
The issue of upholding animal freedoms remains a mystery among particularly in Uganda where most people thinking it does not really matter.
Traders and dealers in livestock continue to abuse animal rights mainly through overloading them on trucks, denying them food and causing them unnecessary suffering.
Recently Dr. Victor Ayamo of the World Animal Protection argued that there is need to uphold animal welfare as it leads to increased productivity and quality of animal and poultry products. Dr Oyamo said Uganda is expected to adhere to international standards for trade in animals by 2024 set by the World Organization for Animal Health.
He however noted that available laws against cruelty on animals are outdated, citing the Animal Cruelty Act which was enacted way back in 1957.
State minister for Animal Industry, Hon Joy Kabatsi, also recently alluded to the fact that the current legislations are outdated hence the need for more punitive legislations.
