All Africa reports that feed producers like Ugachick are facing difficulties supplying sufficient feed to meet demand because of low cereal production. The basic ingredients include maize and rice bran, wheat bran and small fish (mukene).

Members of the Uganda Poultry Association are urging the government to stop exporting unprocessed cereals like maize.

"The acute shortage of raw materials and the escalating food prices have forced many farmers to sell their birds before maturity and some have abandoned the poultry business all together," says Aga Ssekalala, the chairman of the Poultry Association of Uganda and managing director of Ugachick.

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