A visit to Nakawa Market

Nakawa market is one of the major markets in Kampala and one of the biggest suppliers of fresh and dry foodstuffs for the population in and around the city. Other key markets include Owino, Kalerwe, Nakasero and Kisenyi.

Like any other market, Nakawa brings together a cluster of vendors selling vegetables, fresh foods, fruits, cereals, livestock products, poultry, locally made kitchenware, native pottery, used clothes and shoes.

This market is a legendary one. It has existed since time immemorial and continues to be one of the major hubs for consumers and businesspeople that source items here cheaply and sell them elsewhere at addition costs.

Being one of the most vibrant sources for Kampala residents, anyone would be compelled to know where these agricultural items come from.

The supply chain to these markets is a continuous process. Everyday, truckloads of foodstuffs offload at various terminals of the market but with most intervals experienced during weekends.

The supply chain is characterised by constant movement of vehicles from different parts of the country. But these are more visible along major highways that link to city to other parts of the country.

Interaction with suppliers reveals a lot. Different parts of Uganda are endowed with different agricultural items.

Matooke (bananas), potatoes (Irish), onions and cabbages are mainly sourced from Kabale, a district bordering Rwanda to the south west of the Uganda. Some Matooke also comes from Masaka district and a bunch costs between Uganda shilling 5000 to 7000 equivalent of US dollars 2.5 to 4 off the lorry.

A sack of Irish Potatoes from Ssingo or Kabale costs between Uganda shillings 35,000 to 40,000 equivalent of US dollars 20 to 23.

Mbarara District is also famous for sweet bananas, Bogoya in the local language. 'We also used to get it from Mbale but it was very expensive and our customers couldn't afford it,' Nalongo, who owns a sweet banana stall reveals.

The eastern region is cradle to sweet potatoes, cassava, rice, chickens, turkeys, watermelon and beans. “Sweet potatoes also come from Kayunga but the yellow ones are from Soroti,” Faizal, a sweet potato trader says. Kayunga district is famous for Pineapples, tomatoes and pumpkins.


A sack from Iganga is of high quality and goes for not less than Uganda shillings 70, 000 equivalent of US Dollars 40 off the lorry.


Mbale and Tororo districts are key onion producers. Cereals are mostly sourced from Soroti and Lira districts where they are cheaper compared to other parts of the country.

Nakawa market, strategically located along the eastern route has several sources of supplies. Most stock like for other markets in Kampala, comes from Kabale, Mbarara, Iganga, Kayunga, Masaka, and Soroti among others.

This initiative is supported by Bellanet Africa and its development associates