As food prices continue to climb across Uganda, this is driven by inflation, high fuel costs, and unpredictable weather patterns.
Mak Eyee is calling on households to adopt practical measures to stretch their budgets.
The Uganda Bureau of Statistics reported a notable uptick in food inflation in recent months, with staples like maize flour, matooke, and onions seeing significant price hikes.
Ugandans should rethink their approach to food consumption.
With prices unlikely to drop soon or later due to local production challenges, households must get creative to manage costs.
1. Embrace Local and Seasonal Foods.
Seasonal produce such as cassava, sweet potatoes, and greens like nakati and sukuma wiki, which tend to be cheaper and more abundant than imported goods.
Matooke may be a staple, but when prices spike, switching to cassava or posho can save money without sacrificing nutrition.
2. Reduce Food Waste.
According to a recent study by the Ministry of Agriculture, minimizing leftovers is a simple way to cut costs.
Meals should be plan based on what you already have, and use every part of your ingredients.
3. Bulk Buying and Sharing
Buying staples like rice, beans, and cooking oil in bulk from wholesalers is another way to minimize expenditures.
4. Grow Your Own Food
Urban and rural households are advised to start small kitchen gardens.
Even in a small space, you can grow onions, tomatoes, or herbs in sacks or pots.
It’s a small investment that may pay off over time.
5. Substitute Expensive Proteins.
With beef and chicken prices hiking, alternatives like silverfish (mukene), beans, and groundnuts would make good options.
Mukene is cheap, packed with protein, and available year-round. Pair it with vegetables for a balanced meal.