Kenyan Protests and the Impact on Ugandan Trade

Despite the challenges, Mawerere expressed optimism about the resilience and adaptability of Ugandan traders. "We have faced disruptions before, and each time, our traders find ways to adapt. From seeking alternative routes to adjusting supply chains, there is a concerted effort to mitigate the impact," he noted.

The recent youth-led protests in Kenya have had a significant impact on Uganda's trade sector, with traders in Kampala facing challenges due to disruptions in supply chains and trade routes. Joshua Mawerere, Chairman of Kampala City Traders Association (Youth League) (KACITA), noted that the protests in Kenya have affected the delivery of goods, leading to increased costs for traders in Kampala.

"The protests in Kenya have disrupted the supply chain significantly. Many of our goods pass through the port of Mombasa, and any unrest in Kenya directly affects our trade routes," Mawerere explained. "When goods are delayed at the port or en route, traders face additional storage costs and penalties, ultimately impacting consumer prices."

Mawerere emphasized the importance of regional cooperation to ensure smoother trade flows. "It's vital for East African nations to work together to minimize the impact of such disruptions. Enhanced regional dialogue and contingency planning are key," he suggested. He also highlighted the need for Uganda to diversify its trade routes and invest in logistics infrastructure to reduce its reliance on the port of Mombasa.

Despite the challenges, Mawerere expressed optimism about the resilience and adaptability of Ugandan traders. "We have faced disruptions before, and each time, our traders find ways to adapt. From seeking alternative routes to adjusting supply chains, there is a concerted effort to mitigate the impact," he noted.

The discussion also touched on the role of international economic bodies in addressing the impact of political unrest on trade. Mawerere questioned the effectiveness of these organizations in providing support to affected countries and called for more proactive measures to mitigate the effects of disruptions.

This insightful discussion occurred on "Big Talk," a popular radio show hosted by Canary Mugume on Next Radio 106.1. The show provides a platform for thought-provoking conversations on various topics, including trade, economics, and politics. The episode aired yesterday from 7 pm to 8 pm and featured Mawerere as the guest