Kampala City Traders are currently in a closed-door meeting with Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja at her offices to resolve a long-standing dispute over high taxes levied on their goods.
Earlier today, traders under the Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA) launched a sit-down strike, closing their shops in protest against what they described as unfair tax practices by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).
They also condemned the seizure of their merchandise, reportedly locked up in containers.
Brian Ssemanda, chairman of traders at the Pentagon City building, accused URA of enabling Chinese traders to smuggle goods into the market, hurting local businesses.
“We are not driven by politics,” said Mariam Namuddu, one of the protesting traders. “We simply want better working conditions.”
However, the protest exposed rifts among traders’ associations. Representatives from the Federation of Uganda Traders Associations (FUTA) and the Uganda Traders and Entrepreneurs Association (UATEA), including John Kabanda and Edward Ntale, distanced themselves from the strike, saying they were unaware of the action.
In a surprise twist, KACITA acting spokesperson Gerald Mwasi Muhumuza later announced that the protest had been suspended following stakeholder discussions.
Despite the announcement, tensions remain high as traders continue to voice frustration over URA’s actions.
The situation remains fluid as stakeholders await the outcome of the ongoing talks with the Prime Minister.
By Muggaga Kiggwe
19th Aug 2025
End
