Ban on meat consumption pushes fish prices higher in Nebbi district
NEBBI, March 2, 2025 – The recent ban on the sale of meat in Nebbi district, following the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease [FMD], has led to a surge in demand for fish, silver fish, and beans in the local markets.
Traders dealing in fish, silver fish, and beans report that the ban on meat sales has provided them with an unexpected opportunity to profit from the increased demand for fish, resulting in higher cash flows compared to the period before the FMD outbreak.
The outbreak of FMD has allowed fish dealers to capitalise on the situation, inflating the prices of their products by doubling the original prices of fish and silver fish in the market.
Patrick Onoba, a fresh fish dealer at Nebbi’s main market, explains that within just one month, the price of fish has risen from Shs 14,000 to Shs 18,000 per kilo due to the quarantine measures restricting livestock movement and the sale of animal products in the district.
Beatrice Acen, a silver fish dealer in Nebbi town, notes that she used to sell two basins of silver fish per week before the meat sales ban. However, since the ban was announced, she has been able to sell four basins in just two days.
Before the ban, a plastic cup of silver fish cost Shs 1,500, but it is now being sold for Shs 2,000 – almost double the previous price.
The price of a small fish, which was once sold for Shs 3,000, has now soared to Shs 6,000. Meanwhile, larger fish such as Angara, which used to be sold for Shs 20,000, are now priced between Shs 25,000 and Shs 30,000.
“We are enjoying the profit margins because there is little room for bargaining with our customers, as there is less competition following the ban on meat sales,” Onoba said.
Dr William Abedkane, the District Veterinary Officer for Nebbi, states that the district is continuing to monitor the spread of FMD, with some cases still being reported in Paminya Akwecira, a neighbouring area to Oweko Parish in Ndhew Sub-county, making it difficult to lift the quarantine.
He adds that anyone found selling animal products before the official lifting of the quarantine will be dealt with under the Public Health Act, as new cases are still being reported.
“We cannot lift the quarantine while the district is still receiving reports of FMD cases. We encourage farmers to restrict the movement of their livestock and report any suspicious signs of FMD for management,” Abedkane said.
https://thecooperator.news/quarantine-imposed-on-livestock-trade-as-fmd-strikes-nebbi-district/
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