Traders in Bugolobi Market blame fuel costs for rising food prices

Traders at Bugolobi Market in Kampala have raised concerns over the rising cost of fuel, saying it has significantly increased transport expenses and forced them to hike prices of essential goods.

The vendors, including food sellers, banana dealers, butchers, fruit traders and boda boda cyclists, spoke to Bbeg Media during Labour Day commemorations at the market.

Rose Namusiige, head of the matooke section and a trader since 1983, said the economic situation is worsening, with fewer customers able to afford food.

“We are concerned that the economic situation is getting worse. As you can see, there are very few buyers due to increased prices caused by high fuel costs,” she said.

Sarah Yonga, 58, who has traded in the market since 1991, selling Irish potatoes, matooke, sweet potatoes and yams, said rising prices have driven customers away.

Despite the challenges, she said Labour Day remains important to her because it reflects the value of hard work. She noted that her business enabled her to build a house and educate her children as a single mother.

Prossie Akiki, a food vendor, said the cost of goods and utilities has risen sharply, weakening small businesses. She sells cooked local food including matooke, rice, sweet potatoes, posho, millet, cowpeas, meat, fish, beans and chicken.

Bruhan Lutaaya, a matooke trader who has worked in the market since 1991, said although traders are compelled to raise prices to stay afloat, he remains committed to celebrating Labour Day. He credited his business for supporting his family’s education, food and housing needs.

Harriet Nalubowa, another food vendor, thanked her customers for their continued support. She said she remained open on the public holiday to serve meals, but expressed frustration over rising fuel costs, which she said are affecting business operations.

Ssozi Musisi, a worker at a local butchery, called on Kampala Capital City Authority executive director Sharifah Buzeki to regulate city abattoirs, accusing some of selling meat at retail prices and undercutting market traders.

Safina Nansubuga, a fruit seller, said the day’s activities were briefly disrupted by morning rain. She also cited rising prices of agricultural produce, including jackfruit, and called on authorities to reduce fuel costs and taxes.

Jenny Kamusiime, who sells chips and chicken, said the price of a sack of Irish potatoes has risen from Shs140,000 to Shs200,000, attributing the increase to higher fuel and cooking oil costs.

Nicholas Barigye, a boda boda rider, urged the government to ease pressure on low-income earners, saying it is difficult to celebrate Labour Day when incomes remain low and business is slow.

The traders’ concerns come amid broader economic pressures linked to global tensions, including the ongoing conflict involving Israel, the United States and Iran, which has contributed to volatility in fuel prices worldwide.