Prices hike as traders eye Christmas

By Robert Segawa

It is week to Christmas day, thousands of people continue to flood the city center for shopping of clothing and food stuffs.

Traders have now resorted to increasing the price of different commodities due to demand .

Thousands of people travel from city to villages for Christmas festive season, transport fares have also continued to soar on major routes plying to different districts from Kampala.

Traffic police has also put in place strong guidelines on bus drivers which include a ban on driver making a return journey with operation Fika Salaama put on high alert.

As of today, from Kampala to Mbarara transport fares range between 25000 to 30,000, Kampala to Rukungiri 40,000 to 45000. Kampala to Kabale 35000 to 40,000, Kampala to Kisoro from 40,000 to 45000. Kampala to Kasese from 30,000 to 40,000, Kampala- Fortpotal from 30,000 to 35000, Kampala to Bundibugyo from 30,000 to 40'000 and Masindi is now at 25000 shillings,

Those plying on Eastern route, fares have increased by 10,000 shillings and now from Kampala to Mbale from 20,000 to 25000, Kampala to Soroti from 25000 to 30,000.

Heading to Northern part of the country, Kampala to Gulu from 30,000 to 35000, Kampala to Arua 45000 to 50,000.

Cross border, buses have also increased fares from Kampala to Nairobi from 65000 to 71000, Kampala to Mombasa 111000/=, Kampala to Kigali Rwanda from 50,000 to 55000, Juba is now 100,000 and Kampala to Burundi 65000/-. According to Aturinda Donald, manager Savannah coaches the transport fares are expected to increase depending to number of people traveling.

Prices for different food stuffs around Kampala markets have also witnessed a sharp increase.

A bunch of Matooke is ranging from 15000 to 30,000 in St. Balikudembe, Kalerwe Market, Kibuye and Nakawa Markets.

Chicken is ranging from 15000 to 30,000 in St Balikudembe, and Kalerwe as well as Nakawa Market depending on the breed and the size.

According to Kawoya Fred businessman dealing in Matooke there is enough food in the villages but said they are finding it difficult to transport it because of slippery roads caused by heavy rainfall.