Annual Inflation Increases to 13.7% in Uganda

The annual inflation rate in Uganda has increased to 13.7% in July 2008 compared to 12.5% in June 2007, Uganda Bureau of Statistics senior statistician said at a monthly press briefing on consumer prices in Kampala on Thursday.

Ronald Sombwe said prices of food went up in all centers especially in Mbarara, Arua and Gulu with significant contributions coming from prices for sweet potatoes, fresh cassava, pineapples, passion fruits, cabbages, tomatoes, egg plants and bitter tomatoes.

He said other price increases were registered for maize flour, millet flour, chicken, fish and fresh milk.

He said that though the harvesting season has almost reached the peak for a number of food items, prices have remained high mainly due to transport costs and high demand from neighboring countries.

Sombwe said the government is looking for ways to lower the inflation rate to the set target of 5% in the coming months.

He advised consumers to avoid unnecessary expenditure especially on luxuries.

Source African Press Agency

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