By URN
There is excitement among livestock farmers in Bunyoro sub region after President Museveni reopened livestock markets.
In June, President Yoweri Museveni closed livestock markets across the country as part of the measures to curtail the spread of covid-19.

According to the President, the livestock markets attract people from different parts of the country, which could further spread the disease.

However, last week President Museveni directed that the livestock markets be reopened but with strict adherence to the COVID-19 standard operating procedures-SOPs.

The reopening of the livestock markets has brought a sigh of relief among farmers in Bunyoro who say they were struggling to provide for their families due to lack of income following the closure of the livestock markets.

Lam Karubanga, a cattle farmer in Kasenyi lyato in Buseruka sub county in Hoima district says initially the closure of the livestock markets had hit them hard since their livelihood entirely depends on animals adding that now that the markets have been reopened, they will be in position of selling some of their animals in order to provide for their families.

Sam Ntambara, another farmer in Buseruka says life had become extremely difficult for them since they would not access the markets to sell animals but now with the reopening of the markets, they will be able to sell animals and look after their families.

Richard Balikurungi, a cattle farmer at Butiaba landing site in Buliisa equally says the closure of the livestock markets had made life unbearable for him and his entire family saying now that the markets have been reopened, he will be able to sell off some animals to buy food, medicine and drugs for his family members and the animals.

Jackson Barongo, a resident of Hoima city who deals in cattle business says currently they will have access to the livestock market to transact their business unlike in the past when their movements were restricted due to the closure of the markets.

Nathan Adegi, the Buseruka sub county Council Speaker in Hoima district says the closure of the livestock markets had negatively impacted on their revenue base.

The closure of the livestock markets increased meat prices in the bunyoro sub region from 12,000 shillings to 14000 shillings a kilo.