How soaring beef prices are reshaping family meals

KAMPALA — Beef is increasingly becoming a luxury for many Ugandan households as rising prices force families, restaurants and food vendors to cut consumption or switch to cheaper alternatives.

Across several markets and butcheries, the retail price of beef has risen to between Shs20,000 and Shs22,000 per kilogram from about Shs16,000 just a few months ago, placing additional pressure on households already grappling with the rising cost of living.

The price increases have triggered changes in eating habits, with many consumers opting for chicken, offals and other less expensive protein sources.

For restaurant operators, the surge in beef prices is eating into profits and forcing difficult decisions.

Juliet Nassuuna, who runs a restaurant in Kawempe, said the cost of purchasing beef has increased sharply, affecting her business operations.

“Previously, I would buy five kilograms of beef every day, but now I can only afford two kilograms because of the high prices,” she said.

To cope, Nassuuna has reduced the amount of beef served per meal, a move she says has drawn complaints from customers accustomed to larger portions.

The situation is similar in many homes.

Sarah Nansereko, a resident of Kagoma, said her family can no longer afford beef regularly.

“My husband gives me Shs20,000 for food every day. If I want to buy meat, I choose cow head meat because it is much cheaper than ordinary beef,” she said.

The price increases are being driven by a combination of factors affecting both livestock production and supply.

Industry players say outbreaks of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in several cattle-rearing districts have disrupted livestock trade after authorities imposed restrictions on the movement and sale of cattle in affected areas.

The disease outbreaks, reported in districts such as Ntungamo, Amudat, Sembabule, Isingiro and Gomba, reduced the number of animals reaching livestock markets and slaughterhouses.

At the same time, prolonged dry spells in parts of Uganda’s cattle corridor have affected pasture and water availability, resulting in lower livestock productivity.

Sulaiman Ssekanyo, the chairperson of Kalerwe Abattoir, said reduced supplies have significantly affected the meat market.

“Many animals are raised under free-range systems. During drought periods, pasture becomes scarce and the number of animals reaching the market declines,” he said.

Livestock traders also point to rising cattle prices at farm level.

According to cattle trader Lozio Kafuluma, animals that previously sold at relatively lower prices now fetch between Shs1.5 million and Shs5 million depending on size and quality.

He said increased competition for cattle, including demand from regional buyers, has pushed prices even higher.

Traders purchasing cattle for export markets are reportedly offering competitive prices, making it more expensive for local buyers to acquire livestock.

“The cost of buying cattle has gone up significantly compared to previous years, and that eventually affects the price consumers pay for meat,” Kafuluma said.

Transport costs have added another layer of pressure.

Livestock traders say higher fuel expenses have increased the cost of sourcing cattle from major production areas and transporting them to urban markets.

The combined effect of disease outbreaks, weather challenges, higher transport costs and growing demand has created a supply squeeze that is being felt across the country.

Economists say rising food prices often hit low-income households hardest because a large share of their income is spent on basic necessities.

As beef becomes more expensive, many families are expected to continue shifting to alternative protein sources, potentially changing consumption patterns in the country’s meat market.

Industry players warn that unless livestock production improves and supply constraints ease, beef prices could remain elevated in the coming months, placing further strain on household budgets and small food businesses.