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Amidst the ongoing traders' protest in Kampala, the police have apprehended five individuals on suspicion of inciting violence by burning tyres.

The protest, which has led to the closure of numerous shops in the city, particularly in Kampala, revolves around discontent with the implementation of the Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoice Solution (EFRIS) for Value Added Tax collection in businesses.

Luke Owoyesigyire, the deputy spokesperson for Kampala Metropolitan Police, confirmed on Tuesday, April 16, that the arrests were made in the city centre. The suspects, whose identities were not disclosed, are currently detained at the Central Police Station in Kampala.

UPDF soldiers at downtown Kampala during the traders' protest. (Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

According to Owoyesigyire, the individuals were apprehended after setting tyres ablaze in an apparent attempt to stoke violence.

He emphasised that they lacked any form of identification. However, he refrained from naming the arrested suspects.

Most of the shops in city arcades are closed, and only a handful such as butcheries whose proprietors opened to have their meat removed for storage purposes along Nabugabo Street.

"We have painfully decided to close our shops until we meet the President about our concerns that we have petitioned to the government for a while now without any fruitful outcome," said Edward Ntale, one of the traders and the chairperson of UATEA.

UPDF soldiers at downtown Kampala during the traders' protest. (Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

“We were tossed by most of the government officials including Uganda Revenue Authorities, over our issues until we got tired and decided to demonstrate peacefully as we waited to meet the President who is reportedly going to meet us on Friday,” He added.

The situation remains calm in the city centre with a handful of traders’ present. The traders have vowed that they will undertake all necessary actions to ensure their concerns are addressed.