Rising food prices could worsen hunger crisis, CSOs warn

What the report says

Food prices in Uganda are rising at a time when civil society groups and food security experts say the country is already under pressure from hunger and malnutrition, according to The Observer. The paper reported that the Uganda Association of Bakers plans to raise the price of bread in November, citing higher wheat and fuel costs. It also said several other staple foods have become more expensive in recent months.

The Observer said Bank of Uganda’s October monetary policy report showed headline inflation rising to 4.6% in September 2026 from 4.1% in August, driven by food crop prices. Agnes Kirabo of the Food Rights Alliance warned that items often associated with low-income households, including beans and posho, have also become costly, putting strain on families that are already struggling to afford daily meals.

The report also linked the price surge to wider food insecurity. An IPC analysis released by the Government of Uganda and the United Nations last week estimated that about 3.6 million people face high levels of acute food insecurity, with that number expected to rise to 4.4 million by early next year. It said dry weather, high temperatures and changing climate conditions have hurt crops, pasture and water sources in several regions, including Karamoja, Greater Masaka and Greater Luwero.

The Observer added that officials and stakeholders discussing post-World Food Day policy responses called for practical innovation, better coordination across sectors and closer engagement with farmers. It also noted that technology initiatives such as the iKnowFarm app are being used to help farmers access advice, markets and nutrition information.