MICHAEL N
Banana farmers and sellers in Ntungamo District are increasingly concerned over fluctuating prices, which have left many earning far below expected profits.
The sudden changes in banana prices have overwhelmed both sellers and farmers, with many harvesting and selling their produce at very low prices compared to previous months. Major banana markets in the district include Ntungamo Municipality Market, Omungenyi, Rwahi–Rwentobo, Rubaare Kitwe, and Omukikazi in Rwashamaire. Traders from these markets transport bananas to Wakiso, Kampala, northern Uganda, and even export them to neighboring countries such as Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, and South Sudan.
Despite the export market, some bananas are locally used for brewing traditional waragi, while others are consumed as ripe yellow bananas such as Mbogoya or roasted on town streets, commonly known as Gooja.
Denis Tumuramye and Samuel Abaho, banana sellers in Ntungamo Municipality with over three years of experience, say the price instability has greatly affected their businesses. They revealed that bananas are now rotting in markets due to increased supply and a limited number of buyers. Denis noted that in December last year, a good bunch of bananas sold between UGX 45,000 and UGX 55,000, compared to the current price of about UGX 25,000.
Gilbert Mugarura, a banana trader at Omungenyi Market, said buyers from distant places have reduced significantly this year, especially during the election period. He explained that farmers in villages often raise prices, which affects brokers who transport bananas to town markets. However, Gilbert attributed the increased banana supply to the growing number of farmers adopting modern farming methods.
Despite the current challenges, Denis remains optimistic that prices will improve once schools and other learning institutions reopen. He believes demand will rise as institutions sign supply contracts with farmers and traders.
Audrey Naturinda, a trader at Ntungamo Municipality Banana Market, also confirmed that prices have dropped drastically. She said banana production is high, but the number of buyers and consumers remains low, causing bananas to ripen and spoil in the market.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of Ntungamo Banana Market, Jaward Katamba, revealed that traders from distant areas are no longer coming in large numbers, a situation he partly attributed to the election period. He noted that the market usually receives between 20 and 30 long trucks daily to transport bananas to various destinations.
Katamba urged the government to establish a banana juice processing factory in Ntungamo District, similar to the coffee processing plant in Rwashamaire, Kajara. He said such a factory would reduce losses faced by farmers, create employment opportunities for idle youth, and add value to banana produce.
