Matooke in plenty

Jan 24, 2008

KATALE WATCH<br><br>THE increased supply of matooke to Kampala’s major markets has forced traders to reduce prices, a weekly mini-survey has shown.

KATALE WATCH

By Ibrahim Kasita

THE increased supply of matooke to Kampala’s major markets has forced traders to reduce prices, a weekly mini-survey has shown.

A bunch of matooke costs about sh2,500 from sh10,000 during the festive season.

“Every two hours, there are about five lorries offloading matooke in Nakasero Market,” Robert Mugisa, a trader at Nakasero, said.

“For the whole week, trucks loaded with matooke, tomatoes, onions and fruits have increased. Every morning these trucks offload around St. Balikuddembe, Kalerwe and Nakawa markets.”

The traders attributed the increase in matooke supply to the heavy rains that that felled down the banana plants.

However, prices of beans jumped to sh1,700 from sh1,500 a kilogramme because the farmers have withheld them for the next planting season.”

Peas cost sh2,500 from sh1,800 a kilogramme.

Traders said trucks have resumed transporting plenty of food items since more fuel is available. The recent fuel shortage had affected transportation of foodstuff from rural areas to urban markets.

The prices of other items remained constant because traders were disposing off the old stock.

Maize flour was sold at sh600 while maize was at sh300 a kilogramme. Tomatoes were sold at sh500 and sh700.

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