Story by Obed Kankiriho
Hotels and roadside vendors in Kabale Municipality have significantly increased their prices in response to the influx of visitors attending the ongoing National Kids Athletics and Special Needs Learners Championship.
The championship, hosted at Kigezi High School Primary playground and Kabale Municipal Stadium, has drawn 176 primary schools from across Uganda, creating a surge in demand for accommodation and food services.
Alex Biryomumeisho, Chairperson of the Kigezi region Uganda Primary Schools Sports Association (UPSSA), revealed that over 240 event officials are currently accommodated in Kabale hotels, many of which have doubled their room rates.
“Room prices, which normally range between UGX 25,000 and 100,000 per night, are now going for UGX 50,000 to 200,000,” Biryomumeisho said.
Food vendors have also capitalized on the event, with the cost of a plate of food rising from UGX 4,000–10,000 to UGX 7,000–20,000.
The price of a glass of juice has also surged, now going for UGX 3,000–7,000, up from the usual UGX 1,000–3,000.
Biryomumeisho urged local businesses to strike a balance between taking advantage of the economic opportunity and keeping services affordable for the young athletes, special needs learners, and organizers.
Pauline Musingize, First Vice President of UPSSA, acknowledged the concerns, adding that persistent heavy rains have further disrupted the championship’s schedule.
In response to the rising complaints, Kabale Municipality’s Senior Inspector of Schools, Gloria Asiimwe, stated that she is collaborating with the Municipal Commercial Office and the Town Clerk to engage with hotel owners and food vendors on adopting fair and sustainable pricing during the event.
