Some closed shops in Kampala in the ongoing protest by city traders
The police have arrested sixteen people who allegedly threatened traders attempting to open their shops amid ongoing protests against high taxes and foreign competition.
Shops along various streets in downtown Kampala remained closed on Tuesday as traders staged a strike to protest what they described as unfair taxation by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and the increasing involvement of Chinese investors in the retail sector.
The demonstration, which disrupted businesses in the city centre, drew large crowds of traders who stood outside their locked premises in solidarity. Police moved in to disperse the gatherings, arresting several traders accused of mobilising others to close their shops, with reports that some of those detained had been urging shopkeepers to shut down.
John Mukibi, a cosmetics dealer, stated that they were holding a sit-down strike to express their frustration with what they consider to be an exploitative tax collection system. “The situation can no longer enable us to operate,” Mukibi said. “With so many taxes imposed on us, it’s just unbearable. Every day, there are new taxes from URA.”
Some traders are demanding URA Commissioner General John Musinguzi Rujoki’s resignation, stemming from traders’ frustration with the Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing Solution (EFRIS) system, which they claim has not been adequately explained to them. They argue that EFRIS leads to double taxation and imposes additional costs on small businesses.
Other traders, who were unaware of the strike, told URN that they were intimidated into staying closed after being warned by a group of youths not to open their shops. These youths, reportedly hired to enforce the strike, threatened traders who attempted to operate their businesses.
Although Nabugabo Street, Arua Street, and other arcades were closed, some arcades in other parts of the city remained open. For instance, in Kikuubo, only a few shops closed, despite the calls to remain shut.
Issa Ssekitto, the Acting Chairperson of KACITA, said among the issues they want to be worked on include reduced customs duties, lower rental charges and additional tax concessions. “We are going through tough times, yet many refuse to acknowledge it; we want these to be worked on by URA, but also I call upon all traders to unite for the big call for the better change, ”Ssekitto said.
Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson Patrick Onyango said heavy deployment has been made throughout the city centre to deter any acts of violent crime against businesspeople who have opened their shops.
According to Onyango, police have apprehended 16 individuals attempting to coerce business owners to close their shops.
“We’ve protected people’s property and lives because, in situations like this, some individuals take advantage to rob and threaten those who don’t want to participate in protests,” Onyango explained, adding: “As a result, we’ve deployed a significant police presence throughout Kampala.”
