As the joy of Christ’s resurrection still lingers, traders, especially those dealing in livestock and meat within Mukono town, are grappling with a sharp decline in customers, attributing the slump to rising commodity prices.
Early this morning, our team visited key locations, including Kame Slaughter Slum and Kame Valley Market, to assess the situation. Traders lamented the unusually low sales, blaming the downturn on a combination of factors—worsening poverty, poor market conditions, competition from alternative trading centers, and deteriorating road infrastructure.
Several vendors dealing in various products, including beans and other foodstuffs, confirmed the trend, stating that customer numbers have drastically dropped. Some linked the decline to the pPrailing economic hardships, while others pointed to the poor state of roads, discouraging buyers from distant areas.
They appealed to the government to prioritize road rehabilitation to ease the movement of goods and boost business activities.
Meat Sellers Hit Hard
Butchers and livestock traders expressed even deeper frustrations, citing low demand despite high meat prices. They explained that the scarcity of cattle, partly due to exports outside Uganda, has driven up costs, forcing many consumers to opt for cheaper alternatives like chicken.
"We’re struggling because people can’t afford beef anymore. Many now rely on poultry," said one trader, urging authorities to regulate the export of cattle to stabilize local supply.
Veterinary Officer Assures on Meat Safety
Dr. Eria Kyeyune, a veterinary officer, reassured the public that meat in the market is safe for consumption, with no major disease outbreaks reported. However, he acknowledged minor challenges in monitoring sick animals but emphasized that all slaughtered cattle undergo mandatory inspection.
As Easter festivities wind down, traders remain hopeful for better days ahead, calling for swift government intervention to Prive business and improve livelihoods.
