Hotels and roadside vendors in Kabale Municipality have sharply increased their prices amid the ongoing National Kids Athletics and Special Needs Learners Championship.
The event, taking place at Kigezi High School Primary playground and Kabale Municipal Stadium, has attracted 176 schools from across Uganda.
According to Alex Biryomumeisho, Chairperson of the Kigezi region Uganda Primary Schools Sports Association (UPSSA), many hotels accommodating over 240 event officials have doubled their rates.
“Room prices, which usually range from UGX 25,000 to 100,000 per night, are now being charged at UGX 50,000 to 200,000”. He said.
Food prices have also surged. A plate of food now costs between UGX 7,000 and 20,000, up from UGX 4,000 to 10,000, while a glass of juice has increased to UGX 3,000–7,000 from the usual UGX 1,000–3,000.
Biryomumeisho urged local businesses to strike a balance between benefiting from the event and keeping prices reasonable for participants and organizers.
Pauline Musingize, First Vice President of UPSSA, acknowledged the concern over price hikes and added that heavy rains are further disrupting the event in Kabale District.
Meanwhile, Kabale Municipality’s Senior Inspector of Schools, Gloria Asiimwe, said she is working with the Municipal Commercial Office and Town Clerk to engage hotel and food vendors in finding fair and sustainable pricing solutions.
