Lockdown: Milk prices drop by half in Kampala

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | There is a drastic decline in milk prices across Kampala with a litre now going for as low as 1,000 Shillings down from 2,000 Shillings before the lockdown.

Sharon Murekatete, the proprietor of New Diary in Bwaise buys milk from Mbarara, Nakasongola, Goma and Bulemeezi. Murekatete says that she used to buy a litre of milk at 1,600 Shillings and would sell it at 2,000 Shillings. She however says she is currently buying a litre of milk at 800 Shillings.

Murekatete explains that she now operates to keep the business open but not for profits.

Gordon Kaliisa, a milk supplier told Uganda Radio Network that besides the lockdown, there is increased competition from big suppliers like Pure Milk and Sibyangu Diary companies. He says these purchase milk from remote areas at the low prices and sell it half price compared to diaries in Kampala.

Nathan Sabiiti, a wholesaler milk vendor in Bukoto noted that he cannot sell milk at Shillings 500 because he knows its value. He says he used to sell over 40 litres of milk a day before the lockdown but only sells 20 litres currently which he blames on the curfew that was introduced during the lockdown.

Aida Nakanwagi, a regular customer appreciates the drop in the milk prices saying she can now afford to buy milk every day for iftar.

*****

URN