President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has assured traders affected by the recent Kampala floods that the government will compensate them for losses incurred.
“We are going to go through that report. We have to compensate you because you made losses. There are no arguments about that,” the President said.
He made the remarks while meeting leaders of traders at his Kisozi Farm. They were led by John Kabanda, president of the Federation of Uganda Traders Association (FUTA).
President Museveni’s remarks come in the wake of severe flooding that hit Kampala over a month ago, worsening an already fragile situation along the Nakivubo Channel.
Barely three weeks after the October 31 downpour, another heavy rainfall around November 19–20 caused fresh flash floods in low-lying parts of the city, including the Container Village and the Queensway interchange.
Traders claim to have lost property worth billions of shillings. Together with city officials, they attributed the flooding to ongoing construction works along the Nakivubo Channel, which narrowed key drainage pathways.
Addressing traders’ broader concerns, President Museveni also clarified the government’s tax policy, particularly following recent engagements with young entrepreneurs he referred to as Gen Z.
“Some of the Gen Z told me they want to join business but complain about taxes. I explained to them that our taxes are intentional, not accidental,” he said.
The President emphasized that taxation largely targets imported and luxury goods, not local trade.
“If you are selling bananas, there are no taxes—except occasional market dues. Taxes are mainly on imported products like perfumes and alcohol,” he explained.
President Museveni urged traders to embrace internal trade and production, stressing that import substitution remains a key pillar of Uganda’s economic strategy.
“If you don’t want to pay taxes, don’t import. We need taxes to run the economy. Go into internal distribution,” the President said, noting that increased local production would naturally reduce importation over time.
The President also thanked traders for their continued support of the NRM and pledged to further engage their leaders to address outstanding issues.
On her part, Kellen Kiconco, the Presidential Advisor on Tax Matters, commended Kampala traders for choosing dialogue over confrontation, describing them as key partners in revenue mobilization and national stability.
“I appreciate these traders because they are our first tax collectors. When I first met them, they were planning to demonstrate across the country, but they chose dialogue instead of violence,” Kiconco said.
She thanked the traders for preserving the peace which the President worked hard to secure, noting that they had documented their challenges and formally submitted them to State House for consideration.
Kiconco further revealed that the traders had adopted a collective position to support President Museveni in the upcoming elections.
“They organized their issues, presented them formally, and told me that on January 15, 2025, they will vote for you,” she said.
Meanwhile, John Kabanda underscored peace and freedom of expression as the foundation of their businesses.
He also thanked the President for maintaining stability in the country despite challenges faced by the trading community.
Kabanda said traders trust the government’s structures and have already begun mobilization efforts across the country, including Fort Portal, Mbarara, Masaka, Jinja, and Mbale, with plans to intensify door-to-door engagement within Kampala.
“We are with you. Even those of us with small businesses are confident they will grow because of the peace and security you have provided,” Kabanda said.
He added that traders were aware of attempts by some groups to divert their intentions but reaffirmed their resolve to remain focused.
“We will not allow anyone to divert us,” he said.
Traders also thanked the President for the swift government response following the recent floods, noting that both the Minister for Kampala and the Prime Minister personally visited the affected areas.
Aman Kavuma, a trader affected by the floods, recalled the President’s directive that traders’ concerns be addressed without resorting to lengthy court processes.
“We were affected, many shops were destroyed, and names of flood victims were registered. We are waiting for your guidance because you brought peace,” Kavuma said.
Another flood victim, Allen Kisakye, testified that the floods destroyed all her property, underscoring the urgency of government intervention and compensation.
The event was attended by Minsa Kabanda, Minister for Kampala and Metropolitan Affairs, and John Musinguzi Rujoki, Commissioner General of the Uganda Revenue Authority.
