Some of the Ugandan Christmas Shoppers at Busia custom road (photo by Gabriel Mukisa)
Summary: Adult shoes in local Ugandan markets range from UGX 30,000 to 50,000, compared to Kenyan markets where prices range from Kshs 535.7 (UGX 15,000) to Kshs 1,250 (UGX 35,000). Children’s shoes cost between UGX 15,000 and 32,000 locally, while in Kenya they range from Kshs 250 (UGX 7,000) to Kshs 892.8 (UGX 25,000). Clothes follow a similar pattern, with prices in Kenya generally lower than in Ugandan markets.
A section of residents in Busia District are flocking to Kenyan markets to buy goods at lower prices ahead of Christmas celebrations. Adult shoes in local Ugandan markets range from UGX 30,000 to 50,000, compared to Kenyan markets where prices range from Kshs 535.7 (UGX 15,000) to Kshs 1,250 (UGX 35,000). Children’s shoes cost between UGX 15,000 and 32,000 locally, while in Kenya they range from Kshs 250 (UGX 7,000) to Kshs 892.8 (UGX 25,000). Clothes follow a similar pattern, with prices in Kenya generally lower than in Ugandan markets.
The lower prices have attracted Christmas shoppers not only from Busia but also from neighbouring districts including Namayingo, Iganga, Bugiri, Tororo, and parts of Butaleja.
Juliet Adikinyi, a resident of Busia Municipality, said they normally plan for Christmas from the beginning of the year, saving money to buy gifts and necessities.
She added that many residents are now pooling their savings to purchase shoes and clothes at cheaper prices in Busia, Kenya.
Suleiman Benzula, chairperson of the Busia Custom Traders Association and a boutique owner along Customs Road, said local traders are struggling as clients prefer to shop in Kenya.
Mondays and Thursdays—Kenyan market days—are particularly slow. “Previously, we could sell up to Kshs 30,000 (UGX 840,000) in a week, but nowadays, weekly sales are only between UGX 160,000 and 200,000,” Benzula said.
He advised fellow traders to explore partnerships with Kenyan counterparts, suggesting that relocating businesses to Kenya may be more viable than struggling in highly taxed local markets with fewer clients.
Stephen Ojuku, a resident, said he spent UGX 100,000 on Monday in the Kenyan market to shop for his family of five, and plans to return to buy shoes at lower prices.
Jennifer Kagoda, a resident of Namayemba in Bugiri District, said she is willing to spend under UGX 10,000 on transport to access the Kenyan market, where she can buy shoes and clothes for her family at a lower cost than in local markets.
Christmas is celebrated annually on December 25th by Christians worldwide to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.
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