Today, the bustling streets of downtown Kampala bore witness to a significant demonstration of dissent as shop owners made a bold statement by closing their doors in protest against what they perceive as oppressive taxation measures.
By the early hours of the morning, a considerable number of shops had already ceased operations, leaving prospective customers stranded and the usually vibrant marketplace in an unusual state of desolation. Notable among the affected areas were the establishments nestled within Naiga Chambers along the bustling Ben Kiwanuka Street, while the once lively thoroughfares near Kikuubo Lane lay eerily quiet and devoid of their usual hustle and bustle.
The catalyst for this collective action stems from longstanding grievances harbored by the traders, meticulously articulated through the platform of the Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA). These grievances primarily revolve around the contentious Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing Solution (EFRIS) policy, which the traders perceive as burdensome and restrictive, along with the imposition of a per-kilogram levy on garments, further exacerbating their financial burdens.
Despite assurances from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) during previous engagements with the traders’ leadership, promises to swiftly address their concerns seem to have fallen by the wayside. Consequently, the frustrated traders felt compelled to make their voices heard through the impactful measure of closing their shops, disrupting the daily rhythm of commerce in the city.
As news of the protest spread, city dwellers awoke to the stark reality of closed storefronts, serving as a poignant reminder of the unresolved grievances simmering beneath the surface. However, amidst the turmoil, there is a glimmer of hope as reports emerge of concerted efforts by URA and other government entities to expedite the resolution of the traders’ demands, signaling a potential path towards reconciliation and restoring the vibrancy of Kampala’s commercial landscape.