By Tolit Ivan
Failure to enforce the law that prohibits the burning of grass in Uganda has continued to leave livestock farmers in northern Uganda in losses as more cattle have continue to die, especially in Amuru, due inadequate pasture to feed on.
Illegal burning of grass in Uganda is governed by the Prohibition of the Burning of Grass Act (Chapter 33), which explicitly prohibits the burning of grass (defined as all vegetation) in all areas of the country.
However, enforcement have been a problem with a number of reported cases of bush burning still being reported in most parts of northern Uganda.
This, couple with persistent drought, has resulted into the death of more than 100 heads of cattle in Atiak sub-county, Amuru District.
Samuel Akera, the Local Council Three Chairperson, Atiak sub-county, who also lost five of his own cattle, said the prolonged dry spell and persistent bush burning have livestock with barely nothing to feed on, leading to the death of more than 100 cattle in the sub county.
The death of animals during the dry season is often caused by starvation and dehydration, as prolonged drought destroys pasture and depletes water sources.
Thousands of livestock often die or are sold at very low prices due to extreme nutritional stress, heat stress, and increased vulnerability to disease.
