New Twist, Threats Emerge as Some Traders’ Bodies Stay Away from Planned Demo

The leadership of the Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA) has allegedly threatened traders to secure their participation in a planned demonstration reportedly scheduled for Tuesday, November 18, 2026.

Sources say traders have been urged to close their shops or face a 10 per cent rent increase. Mobilisation for the demonstration is reportedly under way at Pentagon City and Nabugabo arcades in Kampala. KACITA, led by acting chairman Hajji Issa Sekitto, has not made clear why it is calling for the protest. The planned demonstration comes as landlords are expected to begin using the Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing System (EFRIS) when issuing receipts to tenants next month.

Not aware of planned demo

Several trader organisations say they were not consulted about the planned demonstration. The Mbarara City Traders Association (MBACITA), a KACITA branch in western Uganda, says it is unaware of the proposed protest.

”..we wish to observe that a decision to call for a nationwide business shutdown is a matter of significant national economic importance. Such a decision ought to be preceded by broad consultations and collective consideration involving trade associations and business leaders from across the country. This would ensure that the concerns, interests and circumstances of different business communities are adequately represented,’’ MBACITA Chairman Mwijuka Simon Ssezi said in a statement on Sunday.

While we appreciate the importance of expressing concerns, we must also remain mindful of the potential economic consequences of business disruptions, particularly for small-scale traders, employees, suppliers and consumers whose livelihoods depend on daily business operations.

In the view of the above, MBACITA and the entire Mbarara business community wishes to formally distance itself from the proposed nationwide business strike.

Similarly, the National Entrepreneurs and Traders Association (NETA) says that they were never consulted, while the Federation of Uganda Traders Association (FUTA) remains loudly silent.

“NETA Uganda has not participated in the consultations or decision-making processes leading to the proposed demonstration,” the association said in a press release on Sunday. “This position must not be interpreted as opposition to the traders or their legitimate concerns. It also does not restrict the individual constitutional rights of any trader. Rather, it reflects our commitment to independent decision-making, responsible leadership and structured advocacy.” NETA urged “all business associations to establish constructive mechanisms for joint advocacy on matters of common interest.”

No to rivalry

NETA said traders’ concerns should take precedence over disputes between organisations.

“We support the traders’ cause, not institutional rivalry. No single business association has monopoly over the voice of Ugandan traders,” said Gerald Muhumuza, NETA’s public relations officer.

The association also appealed to the government to address what it described as traders’ genuine concerns.

Traders speak out

Some traders said they were reluctant to close their shops as the festive season approaches, describing the period as an important opportunity to earn. “We are entering a very busy business season. We can’t therefore be incited into closing shops at this time. Yes, there may be issues but closing shops in the first option,” said Desire Nakimuli, a trader in Kampala. Daudi Mpiima, another trader, said Christmas was one of the key seasons for making money. He urged KACITA’s leadership to seek a way to resolve disputes without encouraging traders to close their shops, saying a shutdown could cost them important sales.