Pilgrims are feeling the pinch of the rising commodity prices, with many missing several meals.
Fred Muhereza arrived last evening from Isingiro District. He sought to buy drinking water and food when he arrived because he was hungry, but was turned away by the hiked prices.
Muhereza, says that during the previous celebrations, they used to buy food at 1,500 to shillings 2,000, however, a meal now costs 3,000 Shillings.
Jackson Karugaba, another pilgrim from Mbarara says that he had planned to spend roughly 20,000 Shillings on food along the way to Namugongo and 15,000 while at Namugongo.
But, Karugaba says that before reaching Namugongo, he had already spent 35,000 Shillings.
He adds that due to the hike in commodity prices, few well-wishers gave the pilgrim’s food during the trek to Namugongo. Mr. Karugaba on fares….
Juliet Nakwago, a food vendor at the Catholic Shrines, says that the price of food has gone up which has turned away her customers.
Ms. Juliet on prices speaking…….
The priest in charge of Catholic Shrines, Rev Fr Vincent Lubega, notes that over the years, parishioners and a few volunteers have been feeding pilgrims, particularly those who arrive early, by offering three meals a day as well as drinking water. Fr Lubega speaking……
The organizing committee of this year’s Martyr’s Day is concerned that more people will be stranded at the shrines after the celebrations today. END.