The new interim leadership of the Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA) is calling on traders to suspend the planned citywide strike set for 19th August 2025, choosing dialogue over disruption.
Speaking at KACITA’s offices in Royal Complex on Wednesday, 13th August, acting chairperson Thadeous Naginda Musoke said the association is preparing to meet President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to address unresolved issues affecting traders.
“We believe dialogue with the President and relevant ministries will yield more sustainable solutions than closing businesses,” Musoke said.
Musoke explained that the interim executive, elected on 9th August, is first harmonising operations with the former leadership to avoid conflicting messages. He noted the strike was not planned by the current team and urged patience as they arrange meetings with the Uganda Revenue Authority, Ministry of Trade, and Ministry of Finance.
KACITA’s head of legal affairs, David Kintu, also appealed for calm, stressing that the interim team’s priority is to handle grievances through lawful processes.
“We are engaging those pushing for the strike to hold off until we meet key stakeholders. We intend to serve traders without fear or favour,” Kintu said.
The leaders point to past negotiations with government that helped ease tax compliance issues, improve licensing processes, and enhance market infrastructure proof, they say, that dialogue works.
For now, KACITA is urging unity and constructive engagement to secure lasting solutions for Kampala’s business community.
