MPs demand action over skyrocketing commodity prices. Lawmakers have demanded that government pronounces itself on the rising prices of essential commodities including soap, sugar, cooking oil, and fuel.
The pressure on Members of Parliament amounts from their voters who are directly affected by the rise in prices of the essential commodities as end point consumers.
During the plenary on Thursday, 10 March 2022, Nakaseke South County legislator, Paulson Luttamaguzi Ssemakula said a bar of soap has risen from Shs4,000 to as much as Shs12,000 and this is worrying Ugandans.
According to Hon. Gaffa Mbwatekemwa the Igara County West legislator the prices of agriculture inputs have also increased and a bag of fertilizers which used to cost Shs130,000, now costs Shs220,000.
Mbwatekamwa called for the suspension of taxes on fuel, warning that if prices are not checked now, costs of essential commodities will continue calling the ministers responsible to explain the matter urgently and extensively.
Our sources from border districts like Busia say that a bar of soap now costs Shs15,000. The surging prices have forced MPs to abandon their constituencies because they do not have sufficient explanations to the escalating prices of household necessities.
The Government Chief Whip and also Ruhinda North County MP, Thomas Tayebwa, said that the Prime Minister is expected to meet manufacturers on 11 March 2022 to look into the matter and will present a statement on Tuesday, 15 March 2022.
Deputy Speaker Anita Among has since given the government until 15 March 2022 to make a statement on the matter.
“Let us give the government time to prepare so that they can give us actions, not just lamentation. It is a multi-sectoral issue,” she said.
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