Kampala Traders Protest Harsh Trade Policies

Kampala traders, organized under various trade groups, staged a peaceful demonstration on Monday, April 8, 2024, to voice their dissatisfaction with the alleged harsh trade policy enforced by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).

The trade policies, including the Electronic Fiscal Receiving and Invoicing System (EFRIS) introduced to combat tax evasion, have raised concerns among traders. They fear the system will result in double taxation on imported goods and unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.

Asserting their stance, many arcades in downtown Kampala remained closed on Monday morning around 7:00 am. Traders from arcades such as Mini Price, Modern, Giant, Translink, Corner House, Kati Kati, People’s Plaza at Arua Park, and Kikuubo were observed standing on the verandas of their shops. However, some shops in Gazaland arcade were open.

Michael Kasumba, an arcade manager at Nagatule Plaza, expressed solidarity with the protesting traders, noting that the issues affecting traders also impact arcade managers. He stated, “We support the traders. If they decide not to open arcades, we will follow suit because they are our tenants. If they close shops due to lack of business, our buildings will also be empty since they are our primary source of income.”

In a move towards dialogue, some traders opted to open their shops to serve customers while the Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA) engages in discussions with the government and URA leadership to reconsider the EFRIS system and other pertinent issues.

The situation remains under control following heavy deployment around the city center by the Uganda Police and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).