Rédaction Africa Links 24 with The Observer
Published on 2024-04-09 07:55:44
The ongoing protests by city traders in downtown Kampala have been attributed to the influence of politicians, as reported by the Uganda Police Forces (UPF). The disruptions in business activities, particularly in the Kikuubo hub, have led many traders to close their shops in protest against various concerns related to business operations and the implementation of the Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing System (EFRIS) by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA). Police spokesperson Fred Enanga has stated that intelligence gathered suggests that certain politicians are seeking to exploit these protests for their own agenda.
According to Enanga, the protests are primarily business and tax-related, but there are politicians trying to hijack the concerns of the business community to incite a countrywide civil uprising. Their goal is to escalate the protests beyond Kampala and mobilize the masses to take to the streets in an attempt to bring about governmental change. Enanga emphasized that such actions will not be tolerated and law enforcement is closely monitoring the situation. Additionally, Kampala Metropolitan deputy police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire reported the arrest of two individuals who were found burning car tires at Nabugabo Plaza during the morning hours.
In a previous development, the Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA) had advised its members to suspend the protests following a meeting with the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU). KACITA chairman Thadeus Musoke Nagenda mentioned that after consulting with religious leaders from the Muslim faith, they were advised to halt the protests until after the Eid celebrations.
The situation remains tense in downtown Kampala as traders continue to express their grievances through protests. The involvement of politicians has added a layer of complexity to the issue, with fears of the protests being manipulated for political gain. The authorities are on high alert to prevent any further escalation of violence and unrest in the area. It is essential for all parties involved to engage in dialogue and find peaceful solutions to address the concerns raised by the traders.
As the situation unfolds, it is crucial for the authorities, traders, and politicians to act responsibly and work towards resolving the issues at hand without causing further tension or disruption to the business community in downtown Kampala. Collaboration and communication are key in finding a sustainable resolution that benefits all stakeholders involved.
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