Egg prices are rising in several parts of Uganda as poultry farmers face higher costs for feed, medication and chicks.
Farmers and traders say the higher production costs are making it harder to maintain margins, with some of the additional costs being passed on to consumers.
The price increases were reported by Daily Monitor earlier this month, with farmers in several parts of the country reporting higher feed costs and shortages of key inputs.
Higher feed costs push up egg prices
In Kamuli Municipality, the price of maize has increased sharply, selling for about UGX 1,300/kg, compared with UGX 500 previously. The cost of chick medication and vaccination has also increased, with 1 vaccination sachet rising from UGX 5,000 to UGX 7,000. In Njeru, Buikwe District, maize bran previously cost around UGX 500/kg but is now selling for about UGX 1,100/kg.
The higher costs have pushed up egg prices. A tray that previously sold wholesale for about UGX 8,500 is now selling for between UGX 10,000 and UGX 12,000 or more. Prices are expected to ease towards late October or November, when farmers begin harvesting maize.
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Chick shortage adds to pressure
Feed is not the only challenge facing Uganda's poultry sector. The country is also experiencing a shortage of chicks. Reliable hatcheries have reportedly been out of operation for about 8 months now, affecting the supply of chicks for egg production.
Restrictions on imported chicks are another factor affecting supply. The combination of higher feed costs and limited chick availability is putting further pressure on poultry farmers.
Farmers pass on higher costs
Farmers say they have little choice but to increase egg prices as the cost of feeding and caring for birds rises. The situation is also affecting consumers and traders. While eggs remain an important source of food, higher prices are making them less affordable for some households.
The recent rise in maize prices is also linked to strong demand from neighbouring Kenya. Daily Monitor reported earlier in September that rising Kenyan demand had pushed up maize prices in Uganda, with poultry and livestock feed prices increasing by 18% in 1 month. The higher costs have forced some smallholder farmers to reduce their flock sizes.
