Back-to-school season, drought push up food prices in Soroti

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Food prices in Soroti city have continued to rise in recent weeks following a prolonged dry spell and increased demand linked to the back-to-school season, placing additional pressure on household budgets.

A survey conducted by this reporter at Soroti Main Market indicates that the cost of key staple foods has increased as supplies dwindle while demand rises.

A kilogram of second-class posho flour now retails at sh2,500, up from sh2,000, while the wholesale price has risen to sh2,000 from sh1,800. First-class posho flour is now selling at sh3,000 per kilogram, up from sh2,500 previously.

Rice prices have also increased. Francis Omoding, a vendor at Soroti Main Market, said a kilogram of super rice now sells at sh4,800 retail and sh4,000 wholesale. Kaiso rice has risen to sh4,000 from sh3,500 per kilogram.

Beans are now retailing at sh4,000 per kilogram, up from sh3,500, while sorghum flour has increased to sh3,000 from sh2,000. Cassava flour, a key staple for many low-income households, has doubled in price from sh1,000 to sh2,000 per kilogram.

Traders attribute the price increases to the prolonged drought that affected crop production across the Teso sub-region and neighbouring districts.

Omoding said reduced harvests have tightened supplies at a time when demand is rising.

“The drought affected most farmers, and now parents are sending children back to school. Demand is high, but the produce on the market is little. That is why prices are going up,” Omoding said.

Wholesale traders have echoed similar concerns. Timothy Omoding, who operates in the Morapesur Industrial Area at Zebu Millers, said the price of posho flour has been driven up by the rising cost of dry maize.

He revealed that a kilogram of dry maize now sells at sh1,200, up from sh900, largely due to high demand from local millers and cross-border traders.

“There is high demand for maize. Even buyers from Kenya are coming to purchase, yet supplies are low because of the drought. This has directly affected the price of posho flour,” Timothy Omoding said.

Consumers said the price increases have come at a difficult time, as families struggle to meet school fees and other back-to-school expenses.

A resident who identified herself only as Juliet described the situation as overwhelming.

“Life has become very hard. We are taking children back to school, paying fees and buying books, yet food prices have also gone up. Traders expect customers to understand, but for us it is not easy to survive,” she said.

Soroti city commercial officer George William Tukei attributed the rising prices to food shortages caused by farmers selling much of their previous harvest, combined with the prolonged dry spell that has reduced fresh supply.

“Many farmers sold most of their produce earlier, and now the drought has affected new production. This has created a shortage, leading to high demand and increased prices,” Tukei explained.

He advised residents to use available food sparingly as dry conditions persist, warning that poor consumption habits could expose vulnerable households to food insecurity.

“As the drought continues, families should consume responsibly and plan carefully to avoid the risk of famine. We also encourage farmers to prepare early for the next planting season when the rains resume,” he added.

Local leaders are calling for stronger food security measures, including improved post-harvest storage, irrigation initiatives and timely access to quality seeds, to cushion communities against future climate-related shocks.