Prolonged drought drives up food prices in Apac

11 September 2026, 5:03 pm

By Innocent Ogwang Atwooki and Ogolo Ian Smith

Prolonged drought in Apac District has contributed to rising food prices, raising concerns among consumers and traders who say the situation is making it increasingly difficult for families to afford basic food and for businesses to remain profitable.

Speaking to our reporter on Thursday, September 10, traders at Apac Main Market said they were concerned about the sharp increase in food prices, partly attributing the trend to poor harvests caused by prolonged dry conditions during the season.

The traders said reduced food supplies have pushed up the prices of essential commodities, while high costs are also affecting their businesses as customers struggle to cope with the increases.

Some traders said they are sourcing produce from areas including Ibuje, Olelpek, Abongomola and Oyam to maintain supplies at the market. However, they complained that a significant amount of produce from these areas is being transported to Lira, leaving Apac with limited supplies and contributing to higher prices.

Carolin Opio Mogo, a trader at Apac Main Market, said farmers are facing several challenges, including poor harvests, which have reduced the amount of food available on the market.

Sophia Omara, another vendor at the market, said high prices are currently one of the biggest challenges facing traders. She attributed the situation mainly to the drought, which she said affected the first planting season and, to some extent, the second season.

Omara said traders are also paying high prices when they travel to villages to buy produce. As a result, she explained, they have little choice but to increase their selling prices to cover their costs.

Omara also raised concerns about waste management at the market. She said rubbish is currently collected once a week, but the waste sometimes fills the sacks and collection containers before the scheduled collection day, leaving the area with an unpleasant smell.

She appealed to the municipal authorities to increase waste collection to at least twice a week to improve cleanliness and the hygiene of the market environment.

According to the traders, the shortage has also affected consumer demand, with some customers buying smaller quantities or opting for cheaper alternatives. This, they said, has resulted in lower sales and made it difficult for some traders to sustain their businesses.

The situation has left residents worried about how long the price increases will continue, particularly if food supplies remain low and the effects of the drought persist.

Traders are calling for interventions to support farmers, increase local food production and improve food availability in Apac. Residents are also appealing for measures to ease the pressure caused by rising food prices.