Luweero town council authorities are under the spotlight over their failure to enforce the by law against animal loitering leading to poor sanitation and accidents in town. In 2000, Luweero town council passed a by law banning residents from keeping animals such as cattle, pigs and goats in the town council. According to the by law, residents found guilty of breaching the bylaw are liable to a penalty of shillings 40,000 for each of the animals impounded by the authorities.
However, the authorities have failed to enforce law as animals are seen rooms the streets of Luweero town council as the authorities look on helplessly. The animals are common on Luweero-Kiwoko road, Kampala-Gulu road and public places such as Luweero central Police station, district headquarters and Electoral commission amongst others. Muhamad Kabugo, health rights activist says that the owners of the animals loitering in the town council are known to the authorities.
He however alleges that the law enforcement officers pocket bribes from the culprits to let their animals loiter in the streets. Kabugo says that the animals have become a problem to road users and are responsible for various road accidents. He accuses the town clerk Muluuta Mugagga for turning a deaf ear. Joan Namugerwa, a resident of Kiwogozzi zone says that the animals have also led to poor sanity in the town.
Namugerwa, a fruit seller says that flies from the droppings from the animals feast on her fruits forcing her customers to shun them. Joseph Kabale, chairperson Luweero town council leader’s forum has petitioned the Resident District Commissioner Paul Lubowa and Police to intervene and compel the authorities to enforce the by law. He says that unless the authorities act they will be forced to stage a demonstration.
Samuel Bamuzibire, the District police commander Luweero concurs with residents saying that they have recorded three accidents this month alone as a result of roaming animals.
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Muluuta Mugagga, the Town Clerk Luweero admits the failure by his office to enforce the bylaw but blames it on political interference. He says that whenever they impound the animals, political leaders plead for culprits, adding most of the animals were given to farmers under NAADS which is interpreted as sabotage of a government program. Muluuta says that they are planning to organize fresh operations to impound all animals loitering in the town and charge the culprits accordingly.
