Kampala — A total of 28 butcheries in Nakulabye, Kampala were closed due to poor hygiene.

Kampala City Council (KCC) law enforcement and health inspectors closed the businesses following the butchers' refusal to abide by the required guidelines.

The affected butcheries had meat exposed to flies and dust. The chopping boards and walls were very dirty. Some workers did not wear aprons, while others had their butcheries next to the drainages.

According to the specifications provided by KCC, all butcheries operating under temporary structures and unhygienic premises would be closed. About 70% of butcheries in the city are sub-standard.

Earlier operations were conducted during preparations for the Commonwealth summit last November, but since then, the butchers had ignored the guidelines.

Some of the operators pleaded with the chief health inspector, Mohammed Kirumira, to be given three months to put things right.

Kirumira, however, rejected the request, saying the butchers deliberately chose to ignore the guidelines. He said the impounded meat would be destroyed.

"Eating meat that has been contaminated by flies and dust can cause food poisoning and other diseases," acting town clerk Ruth Kijjambu warned.

Other butcheries to be closed include those operating in road reserves as well as those which are smaller than the required size.

She said a team of officials from KCC, health inspectors, officials from the ministry of animal husbandry and National bureau of standards would carry out the next operation.