Hike in prices as Muslims feasted

Sep 25, 2015

Traders operating business in different markets in the city increased costs of groceries as Muslims celebrated Eid al-Adha.


By Lawrence Mulondo

Traders operating business in different markets in the city increased costs of groceries as Muslims celebrated Eid al-Adha on Thursday.

Prices of groceries shot up in Kampala’s markets of Nakawa , Usafi, Katwe, Nakasero, Owino, Nateete and Wandegeya.

For example, beef, which is usually in the range of sh5,000 and sh8,000, was sold at between sh10,000 and sh13,000.

Vegetables like cabbages were in the range of sh1000 and sh3000, depending on the size. Other goods like onions, tomatoes, green paper, cucumber and garlic onions are also more expensive.
 

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Tomatoes being displayed in Usafi Market for sale. A container cost sh7,000 up from sh5,000. (Credit: Lawrence Mulondo)

 

 

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Cabbages at Nakawa market. Traders said the number of customers was less than expected. (Credit: Lawrence Mulondo)

 

 

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Bananas (matooke) for sale at Nateete Market. (Credit: Lawrence Mulondo)


Agnes Nakandi, a trader operating at Nateete market, blamed the high costs to high fuel prices and the season, saying that most farmers did not get good yields due to the persistent dry season.

"Customers are few according to the numbers we expected; some of those who come in walk away after knowing the costs, saying things are too expensive.”

Hakim Muwonge, who was found at Owino market shopping, said he was not surprised with the rise in groceries' cost due to the ever weakening Ugandan shilling.

He said this has affected the factors that support farming in the country like fuel and pests control drugs, leading to rise in costs of produces.

Transport

 

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A view of the Old Taxi Park. (Credit: Lawrence Mulondo)


Unlike previous celebrated seasons where bus and taxi operators hike transport fares, transport fares remained constant this Eid day.

Moses Ssekitoleko, a taxi operator in the New Taxi Park, said fewer people traveled to the countryside unlike in the past festive seasons.

"We are always forced to increase transport fares because of high number of travellers. It is not the case this time,” he said.
 

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