Ibanda Traders Lament Slow Sales as Third Term Kicks Off

As schools across Uganda welcomed students back for the third term on September 14, 2026, a quietude has settled over the scholastic material shops in Ibanda Municipality. Traders accustomed to a pre-term rush are reporting significantly lower sales compared to previous terms.

Shop owners like Jacklin Mwerinde have observed a decline in purchases of essential items such as books and soap. Despite prices remaining largely consistent, fewer parents and students are stocking up on school supplies. “The prices have not changed much, but the number of customers has gone down,” Mwerinde stated, highlighting the unusual dip in demand.

Vincent Mutundagye, another retailer on Ibanda Main Street, corroborated these observations. He noted that many parents are opting to buy only the barest necessities or postponing purchases altogether. “The turn-up of buyers has reduced compared to last term,” he commented.

The prevailing economic sentiment points towards challenges within the agricultural sector, which forms a cornerstone of Ibanda’s local economy. Traders like Mutundagye suggest that unfavorable weather conditions have impacted crop yields and, consequently, the income of farming families. This reduction in farm earnings directly affects their capacity to cover school-related expenses.

These merchants are appealing for measures that could bolster household incomes and enhance agricultural productivity. They believe that improved financial standing for families would not only alleviate the burden of back-to-school preparations but also stimulate local businesses that depend on the seasonal demand. For now, the muted start to the third term presents a significant concern for Ibanda’s scholastic traders.

Source: Nile Post