Cattle keepers and dairy operators in Kasese Municipality are grappling with a severe supply crisis, as persistent drought conditions have sent milk production dropping and forced retail prices to go high.
Local residents and business owners report that the scarcity has pushed the price of a single liter of milk from 1300 to 2,400 Ugandan Shillings, a sharp increase that has significantly impacted both supply chains and customer demand.
At the market, Dairy operator Kansiime Careb of Mawa Market in Nyamwamba Division says he used to sell 250 litres daily, but now struggles to sell 150 litres.
Saadi Abdul Malik, a vendor at Asaba Market in Central Division, says low supply and high prices are making them lose customers.
Pimako Kasereka, a cattle keeper in Buthumba village, Nyamwamba Division, says lack of pasture and water has dropped his production from 60-80 litres to only 20-30 litres daily.
In response, Ategeka Adolf Rakisisi, the Chairperson for Works and Natural Resources, says the district is prioritizing expansion of irrigation schemes and construction of valley dams in Nyakatonzi Sub-county to permanently solve the water crisis.
Operators warn that if the situation persists, prices may rise further.
