Traders reap big on Eid holiday

As the month of Ramadan ended yesterday with the celebration of Eid ul-Fitr, food vendors, particularly meat dealers, registered roaring business. Rubavu and Nyabihu districts have one of the largest Muslim population in the country and celebrations were held in both districts. “During Ramadhan, my business was booming because Muslims buy meat during this period more than any other time,” Erneste Habamungu, a butcher in Rugerero Sector, revealed. Besides meat, other foodstuffs such as cabbages, tomatoes, and rice were sold extensively in preparation for the Muslim holiday. Due to the high demand of food in the two districts, some people crossed the border to shop in the Democratic Republic of Congo. “I must make sure I have a lot of food in my house on Eid so that I can share with my neighbour since it’s a day one must exhibit love for their friends,” said Faraji Mohammed, explaining why it was necessary to shop in bulk. Clarisse Uwimana, who sells fresh beans and groundnuts in the main market in Rubavu, says her sales doubled in the two days preceding Eid. “I ran out of stock two days before (Eid) but I had to call my suppliers in Rutsiro and since then, business has been great,” said Uwimana. In Kigali City, traders said their businesses soared on Monday. Jean Nyanja, an employee of Open Butchery in the Nyamirambo suburb, said that his outlet had already sold two cows by midday on Eid. “On other days, we sell half a cow, but, we have sold two before the day has even ended,” Nyanja said. Francine Mbabazi, who deals in food products, mainly, sugar, beans and rice, sold five more 50-kilogram sacks than usual on the eve of Eid Day. For others, like Salaam Uwanyirigira, who trades in perishables like fruits and vegetables, business was lukewarm. “It is only those who sell rice and meat that gain on Eid, since they are Muslims’ favourite dishes,” he said. Nasur Tibita from AMA association in Nyarugenge market remarked: “We receive very many orders for Muslim robes towards Eid because they prefer new garments for the day”. Ends

National

Traders reap big on Eid holiday