The Rampant Rising Prices! Matooke Prices Hit Shs40,000- Shs90,000 as Karuhanga Urges Government to Intervene in Rising Cost of Living

Ntungamo Municipality MP Gerald Karuhanga has called on the government to urgently intervene in the rising cost of living, warning that ordinary Ugandans are increasingly struggling to afford basic food items. He cited the high prices of matooke as an example of the economic pressure facing households.

According to Karuhanga, a batch of matooke is now selling at prices of up to Shs90,000, while other batches are going for about Shs40,000. The prices, he argues, are becoming difficult for many families to manage, particularly those with limited incomes.

The legislator warned that the situation could leave poor Ugandans struggling to put food on their tables. He said many households depend on locally produced food such as matooke for their daily meals, but the rising prices are making these essential items increasingly unaffordable.

Karuhanga’s concerns come at a time when many families are closely watching their household spending as food and other basic expenses put pressure on their budgets. For low-income earners, even small increases in the prices of everyday commodities can force difficult decisions about what to buy and how much food to prepare.

The MP wants the government to take action to address the situation before more households are pushed into food insecurity. His appeal places attention on the need to examine the factors behind rising food prices and identify measures that can make essential commodities more affordable.

Matooke remains one of Uganda’s widely consumed staple foods, making its price an important concern for families across different income groups. When its cost rises sharply, households that rely on it regularly may have to reduce the quantities they purchase or look for cheaper alternatives.

Karuhanga’s warning also raises broader questions about food supply, transportation costs, market prices and the ability of ordinary citizens to cope with changing economic conditions. Addressing these challenges may require attention to both the cost of producing food and the expenses involved in getting it to consumers.

The legislator’s appeal now adds to growing public discussions about the affordability of basic necessities in Uganda. He wants government intervention to help ease the pressure on households and ensure that poor families are not priced out of the food they depend on.