Egg Prices Soar Amidst Rising Poultry Production Costs in Uganda

Egg prices have seen a noticeable increase in several regions of Uganda, with farmers and traders pointing to escalating costs of essential production inputs as the primary driver. The price hikes are squeezing margins for farmers and making eggs less affordable for consumers.

In Kamuli District, poultry farmer Peter Okocha Kasolo highlighted the sharp rise in maize prices, a critical component of chicken feed. “The price of maize is high, yet it’s paramount in making the feed for the birds. Therefore, the price of eggs automatically had to rise,” Kasolo stated, noting that maize has jumped from Shs500 to Shs1,300 per kilogramme. Medication and vaccination costs have also climbed, with a sachet now costing Shs7,000, up from Shs5,000.

Similarly, in Njeru, Buikwe District, Oliver Kateme reported that maize bran, another key feed ingredient, has more than doubled in price, now costing around Shs1,100 per kilogramme from Shs500. This has pushed the wholesale price of an egg tray from approximately Shs8,500 to between Shs10,000 and Shs12,000.

In Arua City, egg prices have climbed to about Shs13,500 per tray from Shs12,500, largely due to the increased cost and scarcity of chicken feed, according to farmer Jerry Dramadri. He anticipates a potential price stabilization towards late October or November with the maize harvest.

Farmers in Kabale Town, like Nicodemus Odo Tumukwasibwe, also cited feed costs, coupled with a shortage of chicks and increased competition from large investors. He noted that the ban on importing chicks and a lack of reliable local hatcheries have further disrupted the supply chain.

These rising costs are forcing farmers to pass on the expenses to consumers, leading to higher retail prices. Traders are observing reduced customer numbers, though demand remains relatively consistent. The situation underscores the fragility of the poultry sector and its dependence on stable input costs.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)