Poor harvests push food prices up in Lango

31 January 2026, 8:10 pm

By; Mike Okwang Ogule & Daniel Odongo

Apac, Uganda Prolonged drought across Apac District and the wider Lango sub-region has significantly affected food crop production, leading to reduced harvests and rising food prices.

Key staples including maize, beans, simsim, and groundnuts have recorded low yields due to excessive sunshine and erratic rainfall patterns linked to climate change.

Currently, maize is being bought from farmers at between UGX 950 and UGX 1,000 per kilogram and sold at UGX 1,200, with traders warning of further price increases. Beans are retailing between UGX 2,500 and UGX 3,500, simsim between UGX 4,000 and UGX 5,000, while groundnuts range from UGX 4,000 to UGX 5,500 per kilogram.

Speaking to our reporter, Mr. Daniel Awany, assistant manager at Allaluya General Food Store in Apac Municipality, attributed the rising prices to low production caused by prolonged dry spells.

“The low production this season, combined with increasing daily demand, may push prices even higher by April,” Awany said.

Similarly, Mr. Richard Eca, a produce dealer in Apac Town, warned that maize prices could rise to UGX 1,500 per kilogram if the drought persists.

“We are currently buying maize at UGX 1,000, soya beans at UGX 1,900, sunflower at UGX 1,300, and high-quality maize at UGX 1,500. Prices are likely to rise further due to intense heat and climate change,” Eca noted.

The Apac Municipal Principal Commercial Officer, Mr. TR. Ogwang, advised farmers to adopt timely planting practices, reserve food for household security, and strengthen their bargaining power with buyers.

He added that the district will continue coordinating market information to help farmers manage price fluctuations.

Meanwhile, Ms. Betty Jokene, the District Production Officer, described the situation as unpredictable but urged farmers to plant early to minimize losses.

She assured farmers of continued government support through extension services, promotion of drought-resistant seed varieties, and technical guidance.

With climate variability, rising demand, and limited food stocks, higher food prices are expected to persist in Apac and the wider Lango sub-region in the coming months.