In Hoima, butchers have announced a protest, halting all animal slaughter from Thursday morning in response to the detention of their chairman, Norman Kimarahunga. Kimarahunga was detained last week after being summoned by police to provide a statement regarding a cow at the Kiryatete slaughterhouse found without a proper mark.

The butchers are demanding Kimarahunga’s immediate release and have vowed to continue the strike until he is freed. Sharif Muhanuzi, one of the butchers, emphasized their refusal to work while their leader remains in custody without clear cause.

Albertine region police spokesperson Julius Hakiza stated that Kimarahunga’s detention is part of an investigation into rising cattle theft in the Hoima and Bunyoro regions.