The year opened with strong trading activity for maize and beans at the Busia Produce Border Market. An estimated 1,500–1,600 metric tonnes of grain crossed formally into Kenya each day after re-bagging. Demand for maize was exceptionally high, with good-quality grain selling at KSh 42.5 (UGX.1,194 equivalent per kg), while the lowest acceptable quality traded at KSh 40 (UGX.1180). Maize supplies originated mainly from Serere–Soroti, Lira, and the western districts of Mubende, Masindi, Kiboga, and Kyankwanzi.
The Busia market remained very active, handling a wide range of commodities including green grams, millet, sorghum, dry cassava chips, simsim (sesame), groundnuts, soya beans, and beans. A noticeable shift was observed as traders moved from bean purchases to maize, resulting in increased volumes of maize traded.
Bean prices declined during the first week of the year. The preferred yellow beans were offered at KSh 98 (UGX 2,750/kg), Short Nambale at KSh 86 (UGX 2,416/kg), Wailimu at KSh 73 (UGX 2,050/kg), and Kanyebwa (Rosecoco) at KSh 68 (UGX 1,910/kg). Mixed beans also traded at lower levels.
In Kampala’s major cereal and pulse markets, unsorted maize registered a slight increase, trading at UGX 1,120 per kg. Maize flour was sold wholesale at UGX 95,000 per 50-kg bag, while maize bran traded between UGX 920 and UGX 930 per kg.
Commodity prices are expected to rise in the near future due to lower seasonal yield estimates.
Farmgain Africa
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