Ugandan maize grain prices are seeing a gradual increase due to intensified purchasing by neighboring East African markets. South Sudanese traders established temporary bases in Soroti and other key markets during the closing weeks of the month, actively buying and milling maize to meet their requirements.
In the Western region, the Rwandan trading community is procuring agricultural products, including maize grain, matooke (plantains), and Irish potatoes, at competitive prices for delivery to Rwanda via the Katuna border post. Cross-border traders in Kamwenge secured maize at approximately Ugx. 1,120-1,130/kg, while others sourced produce further west in Kibaale, Mubende, Kiboga, and Kyankwanzi.
Harvest and Pricing Updates
The second seasonal harvest for 2025 has commenced. In Kyankwanzi, fresh maize grain wholesale prices were reported at Ugx. 800/kg, while older stock was priced at Ugx. 1,000/kg. The Busoga region, specifically Iganga, also reported newly harvested maize grain entering the market at a higher wholesale price of Ugx. 1,200/kg.
Commodity Prices by Region
- Karamoja Sub-region (Moroto): Prices for maize and sorghum dropped from approximately Ugx. 1,285-1,300/kg last month to Ugx. 1,100/kg.
- Kampala: The grain market maintained a stable price throughout November at Ugx. 1,060-1,080/kg wholesale. The availability of alternatives like cassava, rice, and matooke provided consumers with a wider, more affordable selection of food items.
- Masindi: Recorded the lowest grain price at Ugx. 600/kg, indicating ongoing local harvesting.
- Arua and Kabale: Experienced high maize grain prices, increasing to Ugx. 1,300/kg in the final week of November, as these areas rely on supplies from neighboring districts like Kasese and Amuru.
Other Staples
Millet: Wholesale prices averaged Ugx. 2,200/kg, largely due to harvesting in the Northern region. Limited supply from the Western region was offered at a slightly higher price of Ugx. 2,800/kgin major city markets.
Matooke: Prices were generally high due to the off-season, with sizeable bunches delivered to Kampala fetching between Ugx. 25,000-30,000. Kampala markets maintained the highest supply compared to other regional markets.
Rice: Stable prices were maintained for Grade One Super rice from Tanzania at Ugx. 3,800-4,000/kg, with regular supply resuming via the Mutukula border post. Other varieties like Kaiso were cheaper at Ugx. 3,000/kg wholesale. The local Ugandan Super variety continues to face stiff competition due to quality concerns.
Irish Potatoes: Supply reached markets nationwide from Kapchorwa, where harvesting is underway. This supply competed with the imported Kenyan Red Irish potato, preferred for fries, which cost Ugx. 100,000 per sack, slightly higher than the Kapchorwa supply.
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