Rising Food Prices Push Makerere Students Deeper into Kikomando

What the report says

Rising food prices around Makerere University are pushing many students toward cheaper, less varied meals, according to Nile Post. The report says students in areas such as Kikoni, Wandegeya, Nankulabye and Kasubi are increasingly relying on chapati, Rolex and cassava as the cost of dining-hall meals and nearby food stalls continues to rise. Some students are reportedly skipping meals, eating once a day or buying smaller portions to manage their budgets.

The story highlights price increases for common foods near the university, with a plate of rice, chapati, chips and beans described as costing about Shs3,500, while meat, chicken and fish are priced higher. Vendors told Nile Post that demand for cheaper street foods has grown as full meals become less affordable, even as they face higher input costs for fuel, flour, cooking oil and other ingredients.

Students interviewed in the report said allowances and family support are not keeping pace with Kampala’s rising living costs. The article notes that Uganda’s annual headline inflation rose to 4.6% in September 2026, with food items among the main drivers, though the report also says the direct link between diet and concentration problems has not been established.

The issue matters because it touches on student welfare, nutrition and academic performance. Student leaders are calling for reviewed allowances, subsidised meals and other practical measures, while vendors say they also need affordability solutions to stay in business.