The traders were angered that for a second time, President Yoweri Museveni called off a meeting he had scheduled to discuss their grievances. The July 31, 2024 date had been chosen after an earlier one that had been expected on June 20 was postponed.
The presidency explained that Kololo Ceremonial Grounds â€" the planned venue for the meeting â€" was being renovated.
But traders were unhappy that Minsa Kabanda, the Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, had communicated President Museveni's decision to call off the meeting via WhatsApp instead of issuing an official communication signed by the president.
Ahead of the shop shutdown strike, Kampala Capital City Traders Association (KACITA) spokesperson Issa Ssekitto was aware that there would be divided opinion on whether to go on strike again or not.
Thus, he urged those who see sense in closing their shops [to] remain peaceful' and not to 'cause chaos.
'Yes, the communication was an act of unprofessionalism and disrespect but we are responsible citizens. Just lock and go home. We shall not be responsible for anybody who causes problems to the rest,' Sekito said.
With this manner of communication, and unwilling to endure another postponement, the city traders resolved to close their shops in protest until the president has found time and an alternative venue or mechanism of addressing their concerns.
What are the traders' grievances?
Mainly, the traders are opposed to three things:
Firstly, the taxes on imports which they say are high, especially as President Museveni and his government move to promote local industry in their import substitution strategy;
Secondly, the rollout of the EFRIS) by tax collector Uganda Revenue Authority (URA). And lastly, foreigners dominating local trade.
'People want answers to all the three issues: Efris, taxation and the foreign traders that are dealing in petty businesses at the detriment of Ugandans whereby they [foreigners] become the factory, manufactures, wholesalers, retailers and hawkers,' Ssekitto said.
The traders' shutdown strike closes a tough month for Museveni and his government.
In the last weeks of July 2024, youth protesters started anti-corruption protests demanding for the resignation of Parliamentary Speaker, Hon Anita Among, which the president has now blamed on funding from foreign agents.
As they threatened, several city businessmen were seen outside their closed shops as the strike entered its first day. The strike remains peaceful.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/kampala-city-traders-close-shops-in-shutdown-strike-over-taxes
