Kampala, Uganda – Traders operating in various city arcades have called off their planned demonstration after the government requested a rescheduled meeting for January 14th to address the contentious issues of rental hikes, exorbitant power charges, and unfair garbage collection fees.
The traders were supposed to meet with landlords, the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), the Resident City Commissioner (RCC), and the Ministry of Lands today at City Hall. However, due to the ongoing Independence Day celebrations slated for tomorrow, KCCA pleaded with the traders to resume work and postpone the engagement. After a meeting today, the traders resolved to reopen their shops until the new date.
At the same gathering, the chairperson of the United Traders Association (UTEA), Edward Ntale, accused prominent landlords, including Drake Lubega and Tom Kintandwe, of subcontracting their children to collect power charges while masquerading as officials from the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company (UEDCL).
Ntale also confirmed that the push for dialogue came from a directive by President Yoweri Museveni, who called for the involvement of the Ministry of Energy and KCCA. The traders have also asked the Ministry of Lands to participate in the upcoming meeting.
Nansubuga Omega, the Secretary General for the traders of Gazaland, Grand Corner, and Galilaaya arcades, expressed disappointment with how their concerns have been handled, particularly by the presidency. Despite this, she stated they are ready to negotiate with the landlords.
Moses Rwegaba, the Chairperson of the Shoe Dealers Association, also voiced his concern over landlords manipulating traders to meet tax obligations. He expressed anger over traders being forced to pay up to two million shillings for building renovations, a practice he described as exploitative and akin to modern-day slavery.
Other traders echoed these sentiments, calling for urgent intervention.
The traders are now awaiting the January 14th meeting, where they will engage with the RCC, the Ministries of Lands and Energy, and later, the Parliamentary Committee on Physical Infrastructure to advocate for recommendations on the proposed Landlord Bill.
