By Joseph Kiggundu
JINJA. The Social Humanitarian Delivery Uganda (SHADU) , one of the big organisations that usually donates beef during Idd festivities ,is set to slaughter 2,500 animals to vulnerable communities across the country .
This year’s Idd –ul- Adhuha will fall on Wednesday, May 27 and lasts four days as per the Islamic norms.
Idd -ul-Adhuha is the grand feast Muslims celebrate to mark the end of the year according to the lunar Islamic calendar. The demand for animals to slaughter on Idd Day has caused a hike in prices of beef in urban centres with a kilogramme buying between Shs18, 000 and Shs 20,000 ,down from Shs14,500 a month ago.
According to Dr. Sirajudin Idd menya Director of SHADU, slaughtering of animals will take place at designated centers in Jinja City, Jinja District, Budaka, Bugiri, and Kotido and thereafter the meat will be distributed to the most in need, including widows, orphans.
Dr. Menya expressed gratitude to several partners who made the effort possible.
“I thank the Government of Uganda and President Yoweri Museveni for facilitating the work of international humanitarian organizations.We purchase livestock and distribute it to the need communities without any interference ,” he said
He also acknowledged the Turkish government and Turkish NGOs, whose support accounts for the majority of the animals slaughtered in Uganda during Idd festivities every year . Appreciation was extended to local communities supplying the livestock and to SHADU staff working on the ground.
Despite the progress, Dr Menya however said they face significant challenges while mobilizing for the livestock .
“Outbreaks of animal disease have led to losses due to limited access to veterinary services in some regions. Rising fuel costs have increased transportation expenses, while market prices for healthy animals have climbed compared to previous years,” he said
Last year , SHADU slaughtered 2500 cows compared to 1200 in 2024 . The sheep were 5000 up from 2000 slaughtered in 2024.