Maize Market Trends and Regional Demand.
Despite the tail-end of the second 2025 harvest season extending into early 2026, maize prices in Kampala did not experience the typical post-harvest decline. Prices bottomed out at UGX 1,180/kg in Kampala, driven by high initial demand.
Mid-March saw the return of Kenyan transit traders at the Busia border post market, with daily purchases averaging 200 metric tonnes (MT) by the end of the month. Maize prices increased from a February average of UGX 1,205–1,232/kg (Ksh 43–44) to approximately UGX 1,392/kg (Ksh 48) at the border. Supply to the Busia border was fueled by the western region (Kamwenge, Kibaale, Mubende) and the northern region (Lira/Dokolo). The surge in demand at Busia is linked to declining stocks from alternative Kenyan suppliers, specifically Ethiopia, coupled with dry conditions in northern Kenya. Consequently, regional demand has driven prices higher, with Busia (UGX 1,390/kg) surpassing Kampala prices (UGX 1,350/kg).
Beans: High regional demand, particularly from Kenya, boosted bean prices at the Busia border. Top preferences included Yellow (Ksh 110/kg; UGX 3,190), Wailimu (Ksh 87–90/kg; UGX 2,523–2,610), and Short Nambale (Ksh 105/kg; UGX 3,045).Other Produce: Gnuts, simsim, soybeans, sorghum, dry cassava, millet, and green grams also showed high demand.
Matooke and Food Security
Matooke (Bananas): Reduced supplies from the western region caused a slight price increase, though prices remained relatively stable due to consistent demand in urban centers. Prices hovered between UGX 30,000 and 40,000 per bunch, depending on size.
Rice: Tanzanian Super rice experienced a sharp increase, trading at wholesale prices of UGX 4,200–4,500/kg, up from UGX 3,800–4,000/kg in February, citing increased import costs.
Potatoes: Irish potatoes from Rwanda were offered at UGX 1,700–1,800/kg, in Kabale while sweet potatoes were plentiful in Kabale, selling at very low prices. Cheaper Irish potatoes were delivered to Kampala and other urban market at Ugx.120,000 per weighing 100-120 kilograms from Kenya .
Inputs and Other Commodities
Fertilizers: High international costs have impacted local prices, with DAP rising to UGX 190,000–200,000 (from 150,000) and NPK 17:17:17 rising to UGX 150,000 (from 130,000) per 50kg bag.
Agricultural Policy and Future Outlook
Uganda is shifting its agricultural policy towards a comprehensive agri-food system approach aligned with the 2026–2035 CAADP strategy. Key focus areas include:
Scaling up climate-smart agriculture and sustainable land management.
Boosting export competitiveness through agro-processing.
Leveraging the Parish Development Model (PDM) for value chain strengthening.
Supporting arid regions through the Resilient Pastoral Livelihood Project.
Expanding on-farm water management to combat heatwaves through the UGiFT Micro-Scale Irrigation Program.
With the new planting season underway, supply for staples like maize is expected to tighten further until the first harvest season, keeping prices elevated. The continued regional demand from Kenya remains the primary driver of market price fluctuations.
Farmgain Africa.