Kampala traders say festive season business is slow

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Traders in Kampala's central business district (CBD) have decried slow business ahead of the festive season, saying money is scarce and that most of it is being channelled into politics, with the 2026 general election around the corner.

“President Yoweri Museveni should release some money to us also as business people and not spend it only for campaigns,” said street vendor Christopher Ddamulira.

He said ​potential customers are not buying clothes, shoes and other Christmas items because there is low purchasing power.

The ​resident of Kasubi, a Kampala suburb, said this year's festive season has been interrupted by campaigns and hopes that as Christmas Day and New Year draw nearer, they will get more customers.

Jackson Mutesi, who sells women's handbags, shared similar sentiments, saying business is slow.

“I hope the business will pick up after people have been paid their salaries. Otherwise, I am not selling at this moment,” the resident of Katooke in Kawempe division said.

Aisha Namudu, who is selling Christmas decorations along Luwum Street, said she had spent eight hours without getting a single customer.

Robert Iga, who sells clothes, said people are poor and prayed that God blesses them so that those who are able can spend during this festive season.

Nonetheless, downtown Kampala remains a buzz of activity, with traders hoping that their fortunes will change.

“I bought so many Christmas decorations but people are not yet buying,” said Mary Nalwanga, who is stationed in Kikuubo, a busy part of the city.

Musa Kintu, who sells shoes, said the landlords don’t care whether one has made money or not. You have to pay rent at the end of the month.

He strikes a tone of uncertainty over what is to come.

“I don’t know where the money will come from yet I am seeing candidates spend it on campaigns."