Traders express confidence in Museveni’s new term, highlight economic priorities

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Uganda’s business community has welcomed President Yoweri Museveni’s re-election, expressing optimism that his new term will focus on strengthening the trading environment and accelerating economic recovery.

President Museveni won the 2025 presidential election with 71.65 per cent of the vote. Several traders’ associations openly supported his campaign, citing the need for continuity, macroeconomic stability and sustained investment in infrastructure.

Following the elections, traders’ leaders say attention should now shift to practical reforms that can unlock business growth, expand the tax base and support Uganda’s long-term development goals, including the transition to middle-income status.

One of the immediate priorities raised is compensation for traders affected by the Nakivubo Channel floods, which destroyed merchandise in parts of Kampala’s central business district. Federation of Uganda Traders’ Associations (FUTA) chairperson John Kabanda said timely compensation would help businesses recover and restore confidence among traders.

Traders have also called for closer collaboration between the government and the private sector. They argue that involving traders’ representatives in institutions such as Parliament, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), and key economic ministries would improve policy design and implementation.

In addition, the business community has urged the government to strengthen support for manufacturing and value addition as key drivers of job creation. Some leaders have proposed reforms in the management of government credit schemes, suggesting greater use of organised traders’ SACCOs to improve access and transparency.

On taxation, the Uganda National Traders’ Alliance (UNATA) has called for a review of the textile tax system, which is currently based on weight rather than value. Traders say aligning taxes with international standards would ease the cost of doing business.

Infrastructure, particularly road repairs in Kampala and major trading corridors, has also been highlighted as critical to reducing transport costs. Traders further want the government to address urban trade challenges, including organised working spaces for vendors and a review of landlord-tenant laws.

As President Museveni begins his new term, traders say they are ready to work with the government to support economic growth and national development.