Traders in Kampala have called for the temporary suspension of the Electronic Fiscal Receipting System (EFRIS), a review of tax policies, and the removal of foreign traders from downtown shops, following a series of protests.
The strike began after traders were informed that a planned meeting with President Museveni would not occur. The meeting, originally scheduled for June 20 and postponed, was meant to address several key issues, including the suspension of EFRIS, tax reviews, and foreign trader concerns. Traders, represented by the Kampala Capital City Traders Association (KACITA), were left frustrated by the lack of follow-up and have continued their strike.
In response to the ongoing protests, State Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Kyofatogabye Kabuye, has urged traders to reconsider their approach. Kabuye suggested that traders who are dissatisfied with the current situation should return to their villages and engage in farming rather than disrupting business in Kampala.
“I call upon traders to go and work for those who want to work. Those who don’t want to work should return to the village and focus on agricultural activities. We will not hesitate to take action if they continue to disrupt Kampala,” Kabuye said in a recent interview.
The traders’ strike has garnered attention, with security officers patrolling downtown Kampala as shops remain closed. KACITA spokesperson Issa Ssekitto emphasized that the strike would continue until they receive a direct response from the President, not just from the Minister.
Minister Kabuye advised the traders to allow President Museveni time to address their concerns and emphasized the importance of acting prudently in the current socio-political climate. He assured that the President would meet with the traders at an appropriate time, though no specific date has been set.
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