As Muslims around the world prepare to celebrate Idd-ul-Adhuha tomorrow, Uganda is set to witness the slaughter of over 15,000 animals in commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son, Ismail, in obedience to God's command. This annual feast of sacrifice, however, comes amidst a notable hike in meat prices across the country.
In the past week, the price of beef has surged, with a kilogram now costing between Shs14,000 and Shs15,000, up from Shs12,000. This spike is attributed to the high demand for sacrificial animals. Similarly, the price of goats and sheep has also risen significantly. For instance, in Kisenyi, a city suburb, a goat now costs Shs350,000, up from Shs300,000 last year.
Mr. Musa Katumba, an employee at Kyengera Abattoir, noted that early bookings for Idd have strained the supply in major cattle markets nationwide. "Many people are booking animals for Idd early, which affects supply in major cattle markets across the country," he said.
Dr. Idd Menya, the director of Social Humanitarian Aid Delivery-Uganda, revealed that his organization will slaughter 1,200 cows this year, a substantial drop from last year’s tally of 3,455. He cited the high cost of animals and quarantine restrictions in some districts as reasons for the reduced numbers. The meat will be distributed to needy individuals at mosques, orphanages, prisons, hospitals, police stations, and refugee camps in Jinja, Mbale, Kotido, Tororo, Butaleja, and Mbarara.
Issa Katungulu, the coordinator of three humanitarian agencies—African Friendship Association, Sena Foundation, and Diyant Foundation—announced that they would slaughter more than 15,000 animals across different regions between June 16 and June 19. "This meat is for the needy people—Muslims and non-Muslims, and that is why Islam encourages those who are financially stable to slaughter animals and donate meat to their neighbors who cannot afford," he said. He also mentioned that each cow was purchased at Shs2 million, while goats and sheep cost Shs250,000 each.
Meanwhile, Sheikh Haidar Kizza, the vice-chairperson of Humanitarian Efforts And Relief (Hear-Uganda), stated that his organization would not slaughter animals this year. Their donors diverted funding to Gaza, where thousands of people require urgent relief aid due to the ongoing conflict. "We shall resume our task next year when the aid flow from the donors is good," he explained.
As Ugandans gear up for Idd-ul-Adhuha, the community's generosity and commitment to supporting the less fortunate remain evident despite the economic challenges and global crises.
