A section of Kampala City traders have refused to open their businesses starting Wednesday, protesting the President’s impromptu cancellation of their scheduled meeting on Tuesday, July 30, 2024.
On Tuesday, Kampala Capital City Traders Association(KACITA) chairman Issa Ssekitto, revealed that the communication about the cancellation was unprofessional, delivered via a WhatsApp audio message from the Minister for Kampala, Minsa Kabanda. The message stated that the meeting was indefinitely suspended by the President due to ongoing renovations at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.
Ssekitto criticized the excuse, arguing that the President could have met with traders at alternative venues such as Namboole or Nakivubo, provided a new date was set or even communicate through the media. He added that the President’s decision conveyed a disregard for the traders, prompting them to close their shops until a new meeting date is announced.
Our reporter, Minah Nalule, who toured downtown Kampala, observed that most shops in Kikuubo remained closed, some with traders standing next to their businesses while others in Owino, Nasser Rd among others opened normally for business . She also noted a heavy police deployment in many parts of the area.
The traders are seeking another meeting with President Museveni to address their longstanding grievances related to taxation. Among their grievances include; high taxes on imports, Uganda Revenue Authority’s , Electronic and Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing Solution (EFRIS) , Foreigners dealing in small businesses among others.
Some of the traders insist that unless the president addresses their concerns, they will not open shop.
Bashir Muwonge, chairman of Kikuubo, expressed empathy for traders who felt stranded after their landlords closed their merchandise in a bandwagon effect. Muwonge called for these traders to be allowed to operate to avoid the negative financial impact of business closures.
“Some of these tenants have already paid their landlords rent, so why lock them out?” Muwonge questioned. “If it’s about the EFRIS issue, the President will address it in due time. Some of these shops pay between 8 to 12 million shillings in rent, a license fee of 500,000 shillings, income tax of at least 2 million shillings, among other utility bills. They need to stay open to make this money.”
