The aroma of grilling meat, once a defining feature of Kampala's bustling streets, is giving way to the scent of sizzling chicken.
A sharp rise in beef prices has prompted many residents of Uganda's capital to abandon their traditional dietary staples in favour of more affordable alternatives, primarily poultry.
This shift is reshaping the city's food economy, impacting butchers, restaurants, and consumers alike.
The price of beef has surged from Shs15,000 to between Shs17,000 and Shs18,000 per kilogram, driven by escalating livestock feed costs and drought conditions affecting grazing lands.
These factors have reduced cattle supply, creating scarcity and forcing consumers to either cut back on beef consumption or switch to cheaper options.
“The price has almost doubled in the last six months,” lamented John Kigozi, a butcher at Owino Market. “A kilogram of beef that used to cost Shs15,000 now sells for upwards of Shs18,000. People simply cannot afford it anymore.” Sarah Nakawuki, a vendor at Nakasero Market.
Ms Nakawuki added that the quality of available beef has also declined, with leaner cuts becoming more common as farmers attempt to maximise profits from reduced herds.
Consumers, unable to keep up with the rising costs, have adapted by turning to chicken dishes. Agnes Nalubega, owner of "Mama’s Kitchen," a local restaurant, confirmed the trend.
“We’ve seen a significant drop in beef orders,” she explained.
“Chicken is now our bestseller. People are looking for affordable protein, and chicken is the most accessible option.”
This surge in demand for chicken has boosted the poultry industry, with farmers working tirelessly to meet the growing market.
Charles Ssebuwufu, a poultry farmer in Wakiso District, noted, “We’ve been working overtime to meet the increased demand. We’re expanding our farms and investing in more efficient farming practices to keep up, but it’s a challenge.”
Despite this, chicken prices have only seen a modest increase compared to the steep hike in beef prices.
Restaurants specialising in beef dishes are struggling, with some adapting their menus to include more chicken options to cater to shifting consumer preferences.
Others face the difficult decision of raising prices or closing altogether.
Meanwhile, establishments focusing on chicken-based meals are thriving, capitalising on the rising demand.
The government is exploring measures to address the beef price crisis, including potential subsidies for livestock feed and initiatives to improve water management in grazing areas.
However, these interventions will take time to implement and yield results.
Economists caution that the crisis highlights the vulnerability of Kampala's food system to external shocks such as climate change and global commodity price fluctuations.
They stress the need for diversification of food sources and improved infrastructure to bolster food security in Uganda.
For now, the aroma of grilling chicken dominates Kampala’s streets, symbolising the resilience of its residents and the changing dynamics of the city’s food market.
While the long-term implications of this shift remain uncertain, one thing is clear: soaring beef prices have fundamentally altered Kampala's culinary landscape, with chicken emerging as the preferred choice in the face of rising costs.
