Beef prices in Uganda are likely to stay high for several months even as the rainy season begins, according to Sekanyo Suleiman, chairman of Nsooba Slaughter House in Kawempe Division. He attributed the sustained price pressure to high fuel costs, exchange-rate movements and poor road conditions in cattle-producing areas, noting that while rainfall encourages grass growth, it takes at least three months for pasture to improve sufficiently to ease feeding costs and reduce meat prices.
Sekanyo cautioned consumers against expecting immediate price drops following the onset of rains. He explained that beef prices are shaped by multiple factors beyond weather, with high fuel prices increasing transportation costs and poor rural road conditions making it more expensive and difficult to move cattle from production areas to slaughterhouses. However, he acknowledged that government investment in road construction has already helped improve cattle movement from production zones to markets.
Current indicative prices from Nakasero and other markets show a kilogramme of standard or stewing beef ranges from Shs18,500 to Shs31,500, while minced beef costs between Shs18,000 and Shs25,000. Goat meat is priced between Shs17,000 and Shs27,000 per kilogramme, and pork at approximately Shs29,300 per kilogramme. Among poultry products, a broiler chicken costs around Shs22,500, local chicken ranges from Shs30,000 to Shs45,000 per bird, and Kroiler chicken between Shs30,000 and Shs40,000 per bird. Other products including liver, kidney and cow hooves also carry varying prices depending on market location.
Sekanyo called for further rehabilitation of rural roads that remain in poor condition, emphasising that inadequate transport infrastructure combined with high fuel costs continues to burden livestock traders and slaughterhouse operators. He urged fellow slaughterhouse operators to manage finances responsibly, avoid unnecessary spending and cultivate a saving culture to cope with rising business costs and sustain operations through difficult economic conditions.
Consumers are advised to compare prices at different markets before purchasing, as costs vary depending on the supplier and location.