Mangen, Harrison2026-09-172026-09-172026-09-16Mangen, H. (2026). Challenges faced by cattle traders in selected livestock markets of the Teso sub-region Uganda. [Unpublished undergraduate research report]. Busitema Unhttps://bdears.busitema.ac.ug/handle/123456789/9571Undergraduate research reportThis study assessed the challenges faced by cattle traders in selected livestock markets of the Teso sub-region, Uganda. Cattle trading is an important economic activity that provides income and employment to traders and other actors along the livestock value chain. However, traders face several challenges that affect the profitability and sustainability of their businesses. The study employed a cross-sectional descriptive research design using a mixed-method approach. Data were collected from cattle traders in four selected livestock markets, namely Arapai, Bukedea, Ocaapa, and Ocorimongin. Quantitative data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The finding revealed that cattle traders faced a range of economic, transportation, animal health, financial, seasonal, and market-related challenges. High taxes and market dues were ranked as the most serious challenge, with an overall mean of 4.28 followed by price fluctuations (4.25), high transportation costs (4.17), and cattle parasites and diseases (4.16). Limited access to credit or capital was ranked fifth (3.75), followed by seasonal changes, drought and feed shortages (3.66), and limited market information (3.48). In terms of reported occurrence, 74.9% of traders identified high taxes and market dues as a challenge, 74.6% reported price fluctuations 69.8% reported high transportation costs, 61.3% reported cattle parasites and diseases and 56.5% reported limited capital. These challenges increased the costs and risks associated with cattle trading and affected traders' ability to make reliable profits. The study concluded that cattle trader in the selected livestock markets experienced significant challenges, particularly high market charges and taxes, unstable cattle prices, high transportation costs and animal health problems. The study recommends strengthening market regulation, reviewing market dues and taxes, improving road and transport infrastructure, enhancing veterinary and disease-control services, increasing access to affordable credit, and providing timely and reliable market information to traders. Solving these challenges would help improve efficiency, profitability and sustainability of cattle marketing in the Teso sub-region.enOther