Commodity Prices Hiked in Ibanda Ahead of Festive Season

Commodity prices in Ibanda town have shot up as customers rushed to do shopping in preparations for Christmas day and the New year’s festivities.

Allen Mugabigwe, a business woman operating in Ibanda central market told Softpower News on Christmas Eve that prices of products including food stuffs have been hiked ahead of Christmas.

She said that a basin of Irish Potatoes now costs Shs 25,000 from Shs 20,000, tomatoes (basin) costs Shs 25,000 from 20,000 while that of onions stood at Shs 50,000, and watermelon at Shs 5,000 from Shs 3,000.

Another trader identified as Provia Tumusiime whose trade is in fish says fish prices have also gone up from Shs 3,500 to as much as Shs 7,000.

Medius Kyoshabire, the Vice Chairperson Ibanda Central market told this news website that hens which have been been going for Shs 20,000 now cost Shs 35,000.

She advised fellow business comrades to be receptive to their customers despite the hikes in prices.

“I appeal my business traders to handle our customers very well by showing them good reception,” said Kyoshabire.

Meanwhile, the trend was the same for meat prices  in Mbarara municipality. Shoppers had to part with Shs 14,000 on Monday for a kilo of goat meat from the normal price of Shs 12,000.