Traders in Kampala protest against a daily tax imposed by building owners, escalating into violence and arrests.
A tense standoff between traders and security forces in Kampala has escalated into its second day, marked by violence and multiple arrests. The protests began when traders, primarily from Sauliyako and Corner Plaza in Galilaya, closed their shops and took to the streets. They are demonstrating against a daily tax imposed on them by the building owners, which they argue is exacerbated by the overall tax burden from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).
The situation turned violent when police, who had been deployed to contain the protests, attempted to arrest some of the traders. This led to a physical confrontation, with scenes of traders being beaten, kicked, and dragged on the ground by officers, including military and plainclothes personnel. The traders expressed deep frustration, revealing that a previous meeting with the Prime Minister, Robinah Nabanja, had yielded promises that remain unfulfilled, leaving them feeling cheated and unable to bear the continued financial pressure.
Seeking a resolution, a group of traders moved their protest to Arua Park Plaza to meet with the building's owner. However, the police response there was also forceful, using tear gas to disperse the crowd and arresting several individuals. This heavy-handed tactic was condemned by bystanders and commuters who were caught in the chaos and found themselves unable to go about their daily activities.
In an official statement, the Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police Spokesperson, Luke Owoyesigire, confirmed that 13 people were arrested. He stated that 11 of them face charges of inciting violence and arson, while two are accused of attempting to cause harm to security officers. Owoyesigire also announced that police would deploy more officers in the city to provide security for any traders who wish to reopen their shops.
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