In a significant development for Kampala’s business community, city traders have firmly refused a request from State Minister for Kampala City and Metropolitan Affairs, Hon. Christopher Kyofatogabye, to resume business operations before meeting with President Yoweri Museveni.
Over 100 traders are set to meet the President on April 19th for a crucial discussion about taxes and policies that have led to widespread business closures across the nation.
Tensions were high as Mr. Kyofatogabye addressed traders in Kampala on April 17th, urging them to reconsider their stance and reopen shops, emphasizing that President Museveni had agreed to meet them.However, traders remained steadfast, stressing the importance of waiting for the meeting’s outcomes before making decisions.
“The President is willing to meet you, and those who will be part of the meeting should go to Mulago National Referral Hospital for COVID tests. We have also waived the penalties on your containers. Those who want to go to URA and pick up their containers, I am your referee. I also request that you reopen your shops; let us go to work,” urged Mr. Kyofatogabye.
Despite the minister’s reassurances and promises to resolve grievances, such as the release of detained leaders and the clearance of URA-held containers, traders held their ground, keeping shops closed until concrete resolutions are reached.
“Reopening shops before knowing the meeting’s results is impractical. We’ll wait patiently for its recommendations before making decisions. For now, shops remain closed,” said trader Mr. Sulaiman Lumu, reflecting the prevailing sentiment among traders.
Mr. John Kabanda, President of the Federation of Uganda Traders Association, voiced concerns about prematurely resuming work, warning that traders’ issues might not be addressed effectively.
“When we resume work, they may not treat our concern. It might not be addressed,” cautioned Mr. Kabanda, reflecting the deep-seated skepticism among traders regarding the efficacy of government interventions.
Mr. Musoke Nagenda, Chairperson of Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA), clarified that while the government requested they persuade traders to stop the ongoing strike, they did not have the authority to halt demonstrations.
Emphasizing the need for comprehensive dialogue to address economic challenges faced by traders, Mr. Nagenda highlighted the importance of a holistic approach to finding sustainable solutions.
“We thought this meeting could harmonize between the traders and the government. Because we, as the leaders of traders in the business community, we have been requested by the government to talk to our traders to see that they can accept to stop the demonstration and continue operating as usual,” explained Mr. Nagenda, shedding light on the intricacies of the ongoing negotiations.
As concerns mount about alleged harassment and bribe solicitations by URA officials and the encroachment of retail investors on traditional traders’ livelihoods, Mr. Kyofatogabye aimed to ease fears by promising these issues would be addressed by the President during the upcoming meeting, underscoring the high stakes of the dialogue between traders and government stakeholders.
