NEWS– A section of city traders have closed their shops, until president Museveni sees sense in meeting with them and address their grievances.
The strike comes after Museveni yet again called off a planned July 31 meeting with the traders, who are protesting against EFRIS and high taxes.
Traders are seen standing next to their closed businesses at the resumption of their shop shutdown; most arcades closed are at Nabugabo, Kikubo, William streets.
Those who have spoken to this publication said they seek a meeting with President Museveni to address their long-held grievances relating to taxes.
Apart from the urge to remove the electronically Fiscal Recepting and Invoicing and high taxes, they also want they also want the concern of foreign investors dealing in petty businesses at the detriment of Ugandan business people addressed.
Edward Ntale, chairperson of the United Arcade Traders Association (UATEA), expressed frustration with President Museveni’s failure to meet with them and address their concerns. Despite promises to meet on July 20th and 30th, the president postponed the meeting without explanation, leading Ntale to conclude that he is unwilling to engage with their issues.
Other traders including Allan Kabalega and Deus Tumwesigye shared their grievances, citing high shop rents, excessive taxes imposed by the URA, and unfair competition from foreign investors who are dominating small businesses.
Tumwesigye emphasized that they will remain closed until the government addresses these issues, stating. “Let’s close our businesses and see where the government will get the taxes they collect from us. Tumwesigye said”
However, on Tuesday, Minister for Kampala, Minsa Kabanda urged traders not to close their shops, warning that they would be the ones incurring losses.
