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Transforming Uganda's Beef Industry – A Sustainable Leap Forward in Kiruhura District.

Revitalizing Rural Economies Through Infrastructure and Innovation In the rolling savannahs of Kiruhura District, Uganda, a quiet revolution is reshaping the country’s beef industry. Two transformative projects — the rehabilitation of the Sanga Slaughter Facility and the development of advanced Waste Management and Market Stall infrastructure — that reached completion in August 2024 under the European Union-funded Market-Oriented and Environmentally Sustainable Beef Meat Industry in Uganda Project (MOBIP). Implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) and supervised by Denmar Consulting Limited, these initiatives are more than construction works — they are strategic investments in rural livelihoods, food safety, and sustainable agriculture. .

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“Rebuilding the Sanga Slaughterhouse: Modern, Humane, and Hygienics.”

Ivan Leku Operations Manager

The original Sanga slaughterhouse had long become inadequate for the growing needs of livestock farmers in the region. The upgrade project, initiated in 2021 and officially completed in April 2024, focused on modernizing this vital facility to align with global standards of hygiene, safety, and efficiency. Key achievements include:

• Complete demolition and reconstruction of the main structure with modern architecture and better functional layout.

• Installation of mechanized systems such as a stunning box and equipment for efficient meat processing.

• Construction of waterborne toilets, drainage systems, and fenced animal holding pens.

• Training for association members to effectively operate the new technology.

Despite pandemic-induced delays, the facility was completed just slightly over budget — a modest 2.73% increase — demonstrating sound financial oversight and adaptive management.

Turning Waste Into Wealth: Sustainable Waste Management & Market Stalls

Completed in April 2024, the second initiative targeted one of the most overlooked but critical aspects of meat processing — waste management. This complementary project introduced a biogas facility, solar and sludge dryers, a constructed wetland, and a modern incinerator, all aimed at reducing environmental impact while recovering valuable resources from slaughter waste. Additionally, the Sanga market stalls were renovated, and a cold room installed to preserve meat freshness and support small-scale traders — especially women and youth — through improved working conditions and food safety. Key benefits:

• Environmental sustainability through cleaner disposal and conversion of waste to energy.

• Operational efficiency with reduced processing downtime and enhanced public health safeguards.

• Community ownership through participatory planning, training, and collaboration with local leaders and authorities.

More Than Infrastructure – A Blueprint for Rural Transformation.

What makes these projects exceptional is not just the quality of the structures, but their strategic alignment with Uganda’s Agricultural Sector Strategic Plan (ASSP). The beef industry was earmarked as a high-potential sector, and these projects reflect a commitment to:

• Inclusive economic growth: Creating jobs, especially for youth and women.

• Food security and nutrition: Delivering safer, high-quality beef to consumers.

• Climate-conscious development: Integrating sustainable waste and energy systems.