EDITOR
As Christmas Day approaches, traders in Kabale Municipality are expressing concern over a slow business season marked by a low turnout of customers, despite stable food prices across major markets.
A survey conducted by our reporter at Kabale Central Market and surrounding food stalls indicates that prices of key food commodities—including matooke, Irish potatoes, beans, maize flour, and vegetables—have largely remained unchanged from previous weeks. This stability, observed in the final week before Christmas, has surprised many traders who traditionally expect an early surge in demand during the festive period.
Traders report that although markets are well stocked and ready to meet Christmas demand, customer numbers remain significantly low. Many fear they may fail to sell all their goods if the situation does not improve. Some traders, however, believe the current price stability may not last long, anticipating a rise in prices as Christmas draws closer and demand potentially increases.
Market leaders attribute the slow business to reduced purchasing power among consumers, with many households focusing on repaying loans and meeting other financial obligations. Others note that some residents are choosing to remain in rural areas rather than shop in town, further affecting urban market activity.
While most food prices have remained stable, slight increases have been reported for commodities such as rice and groundnuts. Even so, traders say these prices are still lower compared to those recorded during previous festive seasons.
Despite the slow pace of trade, traders remain hopeful that customer turnout will improve in the coming days, especially as families begin making final preparations for Christmas celebrations.
