The Inspector General of Police yesterday ordered the removal of road checks which were put in place to enforce a cattle quarantine in the western Isingiro district.
Kayihura made the directive after consulting stakeholders, especially farmers who claimed to have been adversely affected by the quarantine announced the junior agriculture Minister Joy Kabatsi.
The Minister in September extended by 10 years a ban on movement and sale of livestock in and out of Isingiro district, following confirmed reports of Foot and Mouth Disease.
Kayihura’s visit to Isingiro district yesterday he said, followed numerous calls he was receiving asking him to speak to the minister to rescind the quarantine order.
Following the IGP’s intervention, livestock markets in Isingiro were reopened yesterday Wednesday.
According to the Rwizi region spokesperson Ibin Senkumbi, the IGP expressed concern that the locals were planning to turn against the police officers manning the quarantine road blocks.
The IGP advised local Veterinary Officers to put the barriers only at the boarders of the district and not within the district, as has been the case. As such, the people are allowed to transport and sell their cows within Isingiro.
“Of course as police we shall remain available to provide man power if the ministry needs more enforcement especially at the borders,” said the IGP.