The Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA) has announced plans to close shops across the city in early November in protest of what they describe as an unfair tax regime and continued government inaction on long-standing trade grievances.
During a crisis meeting held in Kampala on Wednesday, acting KACITA Chairperson Isa Sekitto said traders had unanimously resolved to take industrial action beginning November 4, 2025, if the government does not take immediate steps to address their concerns.
"Traders have unanimously resolved that come November 4, 2025, if government doesn't come out to resolve issues that have been pending for long, they are going to close shops until our concerns are addressed," Sekitto said.
"The traders have taken such a tough decision because of the pain they have endured for quite some time. I call upon all traders, including street vendors and shop attendants, to join us," he added.
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According to KACITA, the planned industrial action stems from a range of unresolved issues, including unfair taxation policies, growing competition from petty foreign traders, skyrocketing rental fees, and the government's failure to implement previous commitments made to the business community.
The group has repeatedly raised concerns about the taxation of textiles and garments, particularly those taxed by weight -- a system traders argue is exorbitant and discriminatory against small and medium-sized enterprises.
This latest development comes barely two months after traders called off a similar strike in August following a meeting with Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja. That strike had been triggered by similar frustrations over high taxes, unfair trade practices, and foreign competition in local markets.
Nabbanja assured traders that their issues would be taken seriously, with immediate interventions and Cabinet-level discussions. She promised that the contentious weight tax would be presented to Cabinet for possible amendment and announced a joint URA-traders committee to probe clearance delays, with findings expected within a week.
Regarding the participation of foreign traders, mainly Chinese, in the retail business, Nabbanja scheduled a follow-up meeting with relevant ministries.
Despite assurances made during those discussions, Sekitto noted that little progress has been made, forcing traders to once again resort to protest action.
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In response to the renewed strike threat, the Minister for Kampala and Metropolitan Affairs Minsa Kabanda, appealed to traders to abandon their plans and remain patient as the government works to address their grievances.
"The Ministry of Trade and other responsible government agencies are handling their issues. I request the traders to continue doing business as their concerns are being addressed," Kabanda said.
Speaking earlier while meeting her supporters at Nakivubo Blue Primary School after her nomination, Kabanda also pledged to advocate for improved city infrastructure and better trading conditions.
"I will work with city authorities and the central government to improve roads and secure more trade spaces for our business community," she said.
As tensions mount, all eyes are now on the government to see whether concrete action will be taken before November 4 to avert what could be one of the largest business shutdowns in the city's recent history.
The Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA) is the umbrella body representing thousands of traders across Kampala and its metropolitan area.
The association advocates for fair trade policies, improved business conditions, and the protection of local traders from unfair competition.
