Ntungamo Food Prices Rise as Traders and Consumers Feel the Pinch

What the report says

Traders at Ntungamo Municipal Market in Uganda are reporting sharp increases in the cost of food, with prices for vegetables, meat and fish climbing as restocking and transport expenses rise. The Nile Post said some items, including passion fruits, have disappeared from stalls, adding to pressure on both vendors and shoppers.

According to the article, traders say their buying power has weakened significantly, with some saying Shs1 million no longer stretches as far as it once did. Fresh produce prices have moved up across several items: tomatoes, watermelons, beans, onions, groundnuts and other vegetables are all being sold at higher rates than before. Some vendors also described fewer customers, as households struggle to afford daily food purchases.

Meat sellers reported similar challenges. Beef, goat meat and chicken prices have risen, which butchers linked to limited livestock supply, higher purchase prices from farmers and the cost of bringing animals in from other districts. Fish vendors said they are trying to keep sales moving by cutting larger fish into smaller portions so customers can afford them.

The report said traders blame the increases on transport costs, high fuel prices, supply constraints and a prolonged dry spell. In a broader context, food inflation has been a recurring concern in Uganda, especially when weather conditions and logistics costs affect market supply, though the article focused specifically on conditions in Ntungamo.