URN According to Mwesigye, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic breakout, they used to slaughter up to 1000 head of cattle during the Christmas season, but they only slaughtered 700 cows the last year
City abattoirs have resolved to maintain their normal beef prices citing low consumption.
Edward Mwesigye, the Publicity Secretary City Abattoir Along Old Port Bell, says that beef consumption has remained low since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out of the country.
According to Mwesigye, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic breakout, they used to slaughter up to 1000 head of cattle during the Christmas season, but they only slaughtered 700 cows the last year.
He explains that due to the low beef consumption, they don’t expect to sell beef to butchers for resale at more than Shillings 12,000 per kilogram.
Kassim Katende, the Chairperson of Kalerwe Abattoir, says that the lockdown greatly affected the beef supply chain and affected the butcher’s morale. According to Katende, due to the low beef consumption, they have resolved to maintain their normal price.
According to Katende, prior to the pandemic, they used to slaughter between 500 and 700 cows during the Christmas season. He, however, says that last year, they slaughtered less than 300 cows due to low beef consumption.
Katende explains that they can not risk hiking beef prices to scare away the few customers supporting their business. Traditionally, beef is a must-have delicacy during festive seasons in the country.
