Prime
Western Uganda not spared by increasing cost of living
A mini survey conducted by Daily Monitor in Fort Portal and Hoima towns shows that the majority of the people say they have been affected by the increasing prices in food items, transport and essential goods like soap which they can’t do without.
They say that the high taxes on commodities have led to increased prices which they urge the government to reduce.
Mr Daniel Kamoga, a foreman at ARMPASS Technical Services in Fort Portal town said,“We cannot avoid using these commodities regardless of the price. They are taking a lot of our income, leaving us with nothing to develop ourselves”, adding, “Actually as for me, I have now redesigned the budget of the commodities I use. For example I used to take chips and beef but now I have resorted to chapati and beans so that my income is not so much affected. But even then, there are other areas where I cannot change like buying fuel”.
He said that government should decrease taxes on the (essential) commodities and also negotiate with international organizations to help set fuel prices.
Ms Jocelyn Kebirungi, a cashier said, “We are about to sleep on empty stomachs, the prices are very high and the income is too low to accommodate our immediate needs. Am depending on credits to make ends meet. The government should reduce prices because they cannot increase our salaries as our employees are private and have their margins to watch.”
