SHEEMA MATOOKE TRADERS COMPLAIN OVER LOW PRICES, HIGH GOV’T TAXES

By Micheal Bitunga
www.mknewslink.com
In Sheema
Following a fall in the matooke prices countrywide, Itendero matooke traders have asked the government to open up a foreign market so that they can export their matooke which has lost a local market.
Since December 2018, matooke prices have desperately decreased although many people alleged that by February this year, prices would have raised.
Nagaba Amon a matooke trader in Itendero daily market said that matooke prices in villages are too expensive compared to town noting that those who buy from villages to sell in town do not get a profit.
He revealed that trader buys a bunch of matooke from a farmer at shs.10000 only to sell it in town at shs. 8000/7000 shs.
Elly Rwamahe Chairman Itendero matooke daily market added that even in Kampala where matooke market has been high, the prices have also reduced.
However, he said that instead of matooke prices rising and traders failing to get them, its better prices remain as they are now and then they get matooke in large quantities.
Meanwhile traders complain that amidst all these challenges, government daily taxes on matooke have never decreased adding that the little profit they get from at least 6 bunches of matooke is spent on paying taxes for one bunch of matooke.
One of the traders who preferred anonymity told www.mknewslink.com that because of the situation ,he won’t be able to pay school fees for his children because he has nowhere to get school fees from since he has been getting income from trading matooke.
Mzee Banga Saverino 73 years old from Kashekuro, Kitagata sub county advised matooke growers and traders to always have a substitute project where they can get money from in case matooke market is low.
He said that for him, he has more than 40 Jack fruit trees and that he has never failed to pay for his children and grandchildren

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