UGANDA, Kampala | Real Muloodi News | Thousands of traders in Kampala shut their shops, citing unaddressed high taxes, rising rents, and fresh losses from recent floods.
The strike was triggered by what the Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA) called “killer taxes” — including a tax based on the weight of imported garments — and alleged unfair competition from foreign retailers.
Compounding the frustration, severe downpours submerged several shops and arcades in downtown Kampala, particularly around the Nakivubo Channel and major business corridors, destroying goods and deepening the traders’ losses.
Many traders say the floods were the tipping point. Merchandise in the basements of shopping arcades in the city’s central business district remained waterlogged into the following day amid rescue and drainage efforts.
At the heart of the traders’ claims is the contention that ongoing construction works along the Nakivubo Channel disrupted natural storm‑water flow, contributing to the floods.
The traders have initiated court action seeking compensation and the suspension of the channel works by the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), and private developers.
Authorities responded to the strike by deploying security forces to major shopping zones. The acting KACITA chairperson was arrested on accusations of inciting the protest.
Meanwhile, KCCA pledged to assist flood‑affected traders and to work on lasting drainage solutions after a meeting with Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago and other officials.
However, traders say that unless concrete reforms are adopted — including the removal of the weight‑based textile tax and relief on rent and import duties — the shutdown will persist.
READ MORE LIKE THIS:
Court Orders Imperial Royale Hotel to Refund Govt USh5.5 Billion
Lake Victoria Hotel Case Redefines Rental Income Tax Boundaries
