City traders storm out of Prime Minister's meeting, demand colleagues' release

KAMPALA - A scheduled meeting between city traders and government officials was abruptly adjourned earlier today, August 20, 2,025, after traders demanded the immediate release of their colleagues who were arrested during Tuesday’s tax-related strike.

The meeting, convened by the Prime Minister at the UBOS Conference Room in Kampala on Wednesday morning, was intended to address the traders’ grievances.

It was attended by the State Minister for Trade, Gen. Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, and the Commissioner General of the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), John Musinguzi.

However, traders, led by members of the Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA), refused to proceed with any discussions, insisting that no talks could take place while 11 of their colleagues remained in police custody.

“We cannot continue engaging with the government on matters affecting our businesses while our colleagues, who were arrested for protesting the same issues, remain detained,” said one trader during the meeting.

The traders called on the Prime Minister to either contact the Inspector General of Police (IGP) directly or accompany them to the police to secure the release of those arrested, so they could participate in the discussions.

many remain committed to the strike, demanding a long-term resolution to their concerns. (Credit: Moses)

In a show of solidarity, all traders present stood up and chanted in unison, demanding that the meeting be adjourned.

In response, the Prime Minister consulted with fellow government officials and agreed to adjourn the meeting until 2:00 PM today, pending the release of the detained traders.

It remains unclear whether the traders will be released before the rescheduled meeting takes place.

The eleven traders were arrested on Tuesday morning during a strike over several tax-related concerns. 

Key among these were the introduction of the weight-based tax system for imported textile goods, alleged interference in the retail sector by foreign nationals, calls to reduce taxes on glass materials, and a proposal to raise the VAT threshold from sh150 million to sh1 billion.

Despite the arrests, the strike has persisted in key business hubs such as Nabugabo, Kikuubo, and Kisekka. While some traders on Kampala Road and parts of Luwum and Ben Kiwanuka Streets reopened their shops, citing internal divisions. 

However, many remain committed to the strike, demanding a long-term resolution to their concerns.