He said Were advised that the practice was illegal because of the health risks associated with consuming birds that had died from disease or other causes.
Two men have been arrested in Oyam District, northern Uganda, for allegedly selling dead chickens to members of the public, raising concerns about food safety and the possible spread of poultry diseases.
The suspects, Denis Okot and Samuel Olwa, were arrested on Friday evening at Otwee B Village, Obamgangeo Parish, Acaba Sub-county.
According to a preliminary police report, the two were intercepted by a team led by Oyam Deputy Resident District Commissioner Francis Behangana and the deputy District Internal Security Officer as they returned towards Oyam Town Council.
North Kyoga Police spokesperson Patrick Jimmy Okema confirmed the arrests, saying the suspects were also being investigated over allegations that their actions could facilitate the spread of poultry diseases in the community.
Okema said the officials contacted Oyam District Veterinary Officer Dr Ronald Were to establish whether selling chickens that had died before slaughter for human consumption was permitted under the law.
“The Deputy RDC Oyam reportedly found the suspects selling dead chickens to residents. They subsequently contacted the Oyam District Veterinary Officer, Dr Ronald Were, to establish whether the sale of dead chickens for human consumption was permissible under the law,” Okema said.
He said Were advised that the practice was illegal because of the health risks associated with consuming birds that had died from disease or other causes.
The suspects were subsequently taken to Oyam Central Police Station along with the recovered chickens. Okema said the veterinary officer had recorded a statement to support the investigations and possible prosecution.
Okot reportedly told the reporter at the scene that they had sold 22 of the 30 dead chickens before they were arrested.
Geoffrey Omony, one of the residents who bought the birds, said he was attracted by their low price and joined other customers purchasing the chickens.
Omony said the birds were being sold much more cheaply than fish or other meat, prompting him to buy them.
The case has been registered at Oyam Central Police Station under SD Reference 46/16/10/2026 as selling goods unfit for human consumption.
Uganda’s animal health laws prohibit the sale of animals or birds that die from disease or other causes for human consumption because of the potential risks to public health and the spread of animal diseases.
The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.
