Food Prices Skyrocket in Oyam Amid Prolonged Drought

11 September 2026, 3:38 pm

By Akol Emmanuel

Vendors at Oyam Daily Market have raised alarm over a sharp increase in food prices, attributing the crisis to the prolonged drought affecting the entire Lango Sub-region.

Speaking to our reporter, the Chairperson of Oyam Daily Market Vendors Association, Imat Florence Omodo, explained that the extended sunshine has severely impacted agricultural production, leading to higher prices for tomatoes, beans, cabbages and other food items. She noted that the situation has lowered income earnings for vendors.

Due to the shortage of food supply, vendors have been forced to source products from nearby towns and cities such as Lira and Nwoya, which has further raised prices due to transportation and related costs.

One of the vendors, Joyce Matiti, urged customers to understand the situation, stressing that the price changes are beyond their control.

Imat Joan Okello, the Chairperson of Oyam Daily Market Restaurant Owners, also expressed concern over the continuous rise in food prices. She cited that beans have risen from 1,000 to 2,000 shillings, goat meat from 15,000 to 18,000 shillings, cow meat from 18,000 to 20,000 shillings, and pies from 1,500 to 2,000 shillings. She warned clients to expect further increases in restaurant meals.

Adding his voice, Ojok Isaac emphasized that the crisis is not only affecting vendors but also ordinary households, who are struggling to afford daily meals. He called for urgent government intervention to stabilize the situation.

Milyeri Okello also expressed concern, noting that the rising prices are pushing many families into hardship, with parents unable to meet basic responsibilities such as rent and school fees. He appealed to private sector players, government agencies, and other stakeholders to step in and support the community during this difficult time.