The leadership of Kampala City traders has raised concerns about the heightened security deployment following recent anti-graft protests, which they say has scared away potential customers and left many traders idle.
Movement restrictions on roads leading to Parliament have disrupted businesses, causing significant losses. National identification card checks for individuals accessing these roads and the vicinity of Parliament have further decreased customer turnout for nearby businesses.
Mr. Thaddeus Musoke Nagenda, the chairperson of the Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA), said in an interview yesterday that some clients, particularly foreigners, are staying home due to the prevailing situation in the city.
“Some traders, especially those downtown, are working, but customers are scarce. Many are observing the situation from home because they fear chaos. A few shops along Kampala Road, mainly owned by foreigners, are closed and counting losses,” he said.
On Tuesday, security personnel clashed with youthful demonstrators who attempted to march to Parliament in an anti-graft demonstration. More than 50 protesters were arrested and taken to different city courts before being remanded to Luzira prison.
Mr. Nagenda noted that traders usually incur substantial losses during protests, prompting some to stay home until the situation normalizes. He urged the government to engage in dialogue with the protesters and address their concerns amicably.
“We are requesting the government and other parties to get involved in dialogue. The young people who were arrested should be released and engaged in discussions,” he advised.
Mr. Nagenda also emphasized the need for the government to commit to fighting corruption, stating: “No one can support corruption when people are overtaxed to raise money that is being stolen.”
He disclosed that city traders will meet with President Museveni on July 31 to discuss the contentious Electronic Receipting and Invoicing System (EFRIS) taxation model, with corruption being among the key issues to be addressed.
