BIHARWE LIVESTOCK MARKET REVIVED! Leaders Warn Farmers, Traders Over Stolen, Sick Animals

By Amos Tayebwa
MBARARA

Mbarara City North Division has revived the long-abandoned Biharwe Livestock Market, with leaders issuing a stern warning against livestock theft and the sale of sick animals at the newly reopened facility.

The market was officially relaunched on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, in Biharwe Town, in an exercise attended by Mbarara City Mayor Robert Mugabe Kayebezi, Deputy RCC Jackline Kankunda, Division leaders and members of the public.

The market is the only livestock market in Mbarara City and is expected to serve farmers and traders from across the wider South Western region.

The facility, which operated several years ago, collapsed after political wrangles reportedly contributed to the sale of part of the land on which the market stood.

The current Mbarara City North Division leadership, headed by Division Mayor Kyabwisho Gumisiriza, has now gazetted the remaining land and embarked on restoring the market.

John Tuhamize, a farmer and Vice Chairman of Abesigana Dairy, said the collapse of the former market deprived cattle keepers and livestock traders of an important trading point.

He urged city authorities to protect the remaining land from encroachment and political interference so that the market can serve its intended purpose and stimulate business in the surrounding communities.

The revived market is expected to operate as a regional livestock trading centre, attracting farmers and traders from Mbarara City, Mbarara District, Kiruhura, Isingiro, Rwampara, Ntungamo and other neighbouring areas.

It will operate every Wednesday.

Dr Robinson Nabaasa, the Mbarara City North Division Production Officer, said the market sits on about three acres and is designed to accommodate more than 1,000 cows and 2,000 goats and sheep.

He said the ultimate goal is to use the market to stimulate economic activity and improve livelihoods in the communities.

But authorities are already sounding the alarm over two major risks that could undermine the facility—livestock theft and animal diseases.

Nabaasa said the increased movement of animals through the market could potentially create opportunities for livestock thieves.

To counter this, authorities plan to tighten controls over animals entering and leaving the market.

A police post will also be established at the facility to strengthen security.

Farmers will be required to register, while animals entering the market must meet vaccination and animal-health requirements.

Deputy RCC Kankunda and other leaders from Mbarara City launching the livestock market in Biharwe

Vaccination will be mandatory, with farmers required to present certificates showing that their animals have been vaccinated before accessing the market.

Authorities also warned traders against bringing sick animals, saying animals suspected to be carrying diseases could be quarantined.

For now, Mbarara City North Division Council has agreed that farmers and traders will not be charged any market fees until council determines and approves the applicable rates.

Division Town Clerk Vianney Byomuhangi said the market is being developed in phases and is currently about 70 percent complete.

He called on leaders to put political differences aside and resist attempts to sabotage the facility, arguing that the market will ultimately benefit both residents and the leaders representing them.

Deputy RCC Kankunda also called for unity among leaders in the fight against livestock theft.

She particularly warned LC1 chairpersons to exercise extreme caution when stamping documents authorising farmers to take animals to the market.

“You must approve or stamp for the animals which are in the right way to this market. This time livestock theft is a serious case in Uganda, so you must be very careful as you are using your stamps,” Kankunda warned.

She also urged farmers to ensure their animals are vaccinated and healthy before bringing them to the market.

“Let’s bring animals which are vaccinated and be sure that the animals are not sick, otherwise you will be forced to be put under quarantine again if you can’t control yourselves,” she said.