Education for Life and Social Action (Elsa) Africa, a non-governmental organization, has called on the Ugandan government to intervene and reduce the prices of essential commodities as inflation continues to rise ahead of the school reopening. The organization’s communications director, Namata Rosemary, highlighted the challenges faced by young people, especially girls, in purchasing essential items due to soaring prices.
Namata expressed concern, stating, “Young people, especially girls, are facing challenges of buying essential commodities due to high prices.” She emphasized the impact on girls, noting that the rising prices might make it difficult for them to afford sanitary pads as they prepare to return to school.
Elsa Africa addressed these concerns while donating scholastic materials to school-going children in Kiwogo village, Namuyenje Parish, Nakisunga subcounty, Mukono district. The NGO’s communications director urged the government to consider the majority of young people, who are not earning and are affected by the escalating prices.
“We ask the government to think about young people. They are the majority and not earning. We pray the government intervenes and finds a way to drop the prices on essentials for food and also scholastic materials as the new term comes at least,” Namata stated.
Beneficiaries of the NGO’s donation expressed gratitude, highlighting the financial challenges they face, including increased school fees and the high prices of essential items. Charles Ssentongo Teera, one of the beneficiaries, acknowledged the timely intervention by Elsa Africa, especially as schools have raised fees, making it challenging for parents to cover both fees and the cost of scholastic materials.
The call for government intervention in response to rising prices underscores the broader economic challenges faced by Ugandan citizens, particularly as they prepare for the reopening of schools.
