Gulu City Families Feel the Pinch as Bean Prices Surge by 78 Percent

Residents and traders in Gulu City are grappling with a sharp rise in cereal prices, with beans experiencing a staggering surge of nearly 80 percent in recent weeks. The dramatic hike is attributed to diminishing supplies from both local and regional suppliers within the Acholi sub-region and beyond.

A survey of major markets shows that a kilogramme of yellow beans now costs between Shs 7,000 and Shs 8,000, a significant jump from the previous price range of Shs 4,500 to Shs 5,000. Other staples have not been spared either. Groundnuts, maize, and peas have all recorded notable price increases, putting intense pressure on consumer budgets.

Molly Wat-Oker, a cereal trader at Cerelenu Market, explained that unpredictable weather patterns and consecutive poor planting seasons have severely hampered farmers. Much of the produce consumed in Gulu is typically sourced from neighboring districts like Nwoya and Amuru, alongside supplies from Hoima. With output dwindling, traders warn that costs could climb even higher if supply chains do not recover.

The situation has severely impacted household budgets. Henry Okello, a resident and father of three, noted that the rising cost of food—compounded by steep prices for charcoal, cooking oil, and posho—has made basic survival a daily challenge as his income remains stagnant.

Agricultural authorities have pointed to climate change as the primary culprit. Omoro District Agricultural Officer Alex Jomo Oyet noted that heavy reliance on rain-fed agriculture leaves local farmers highly vulnerable to prolonged dry spells. However, officials remain hopeful that upcoming harvests from western Uganda and the Elgon region may eventually inject much-needed relief into Acholi markets.

Read more details in the source report.