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President Yoweri Museveni’s motorcade drew ecstatic cheers from thousands of traders when it arrived at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at about 4:18 pm.

You would be forgiven for thinking that one of the greatest musicians in the world was going to perform as many traders who were in large tents either seated or standing ran at the front to secure a spot to catch a glimpse of him as he got out of the vehicle.

“I have finally seen him; he looks strong,” remarked Agnes Nabatanzi, one of the traders from downtown Kampala.

Nabatanzi, who told New Vision Online that she was in her late 40s, was one of those who arrived at Kololo early morning to hear from the President on their issues of unfair tax assessments, high taxes, and penetration of Chinese nationals in their business that had seen them up in arms with the Government.

“He has come a bit late because we have been here since morning, but it is good we have been given food and drinks,” she said, adding that she had plenty of bottled water.

When he finally took to the podium, the President, who was wearing a hat and a white shirt, showed that he was a man of great patience as some constant complaints from traders never tested his patience.

“You have not come here to scare me,” he told the traders who roared with laughter.  I was here for two hours listening and writing down everything you were saying, some right and others wrong. So, you should also listen to me.”

However, a few minutes before the President was invited to speak by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, the Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, was booed loudly when she took to the microphone. She had also been booed before the President arrived.

However, Nabbanja, who had been criticized by the President of the Federation of Uganda Traders Association, John Kabanda, for allegedly not responding to their over 50 letters, cheered up the traders when she said she wasn’t invited but came on her own to ensure she implements the President’s directives.

She denied Kabanda’s claims.