By Aggrey Twesigye
Traders at Mbarara Central Market have raised alarm over the persistent increase in prices of essential food commodities, urging government to intervene and address the escalating cost of doing business.
The concerns emerged this week following a market survey that showed sharp increases in the prices of meat, fresh produce, and vegetables, placing a heavy financial burden on both traders and consumers.
According to meat vendors, the retail price of beef has increased from UGX 17,000 to UGX 18,000 per kilogram. Liver is now selling at UGX 18,000 per kilogram, while goat meat has risen to UGX 22,000 per kilogram.
Fresh produce traders also reported significant increases in wholesale prices. A pumpkin that previously cost UGX 3,000 now sells between UGX 5,000 and UGX 6,000, while the price of a watermelon has increased from UGX 5,000 to UGX 7,000.
The survey further found that a box of tomatoes has increased from UGX 60,000 to about UGX 80,000, while a standard sack of Irish potatoes now costs UGX 270,000, up from UGX 230,000.
Traders attributed the widespread price increases to the rising cost of doing business, noting that nearly all essential food items have become more expensive in recent months.
They warned that the trend is squeezing profit margins, reducing consumers’ purchasing power, and threatening the sustainability of their businesses.
