Traders under the Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA) have threatened to boycott payment of trading licences if order is not restored in Kampala’s central business district (CBD).
The acting chairperson, Issa Sekito, on Wednesday accused enforcement officers of corruption, saying chaotic trading has caused significant losses for legitimate businesses.
He blamed weak enforcement and alleged bribery by Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) officials for the disorder.
“We are ready not to pay for trading licences if trading order is not restored,” Sekito warned, describing the decision as difficult but necessary.
KACITA noted that vendors, taxis, and boda bodas are blocking walkways and arcade entrances, restricting customer access and diverting shoppers to roadside sellers.
Many arcade owners reported making no profit between November and January due to reduced foot traffic.
Sekito emphasized that traders continue to face financial pressures from taxes, rent, electricity, and licence fees, compounding the impact of declining business. Despite the criticism, he affirmed KACITA’s support for government efforts to restore order in the CBD.
He also addressed compensation for traders affected by the 2025 floods, noting that the Internal Security Organisation’s vetting process verified several impacted arcades.
“We want fairness and transparency before payments are made,” he said, urging traders to confirm their details prior to compensation disbursement.
Separately, Sekito highlighted traders whose goods were abandoned in Kenya by logistics firm Credify, leaving containers stranded in Naivasha and at the Port of Mombasa.
KACITA is coordinating with Uganda’s Ministry of Trade, the Uganda Revenue Authority, and Kenyan authorities to repatriate the goods and secure tax waivers.
“Affected traders should remain patient as negotiations continue,” he said.
KACITA reaffirmed that it will continue engaging government agencies to resolve challenges affecting traders and restore normal business operations in Kampala’s commercial hub.
