Traders in Kamuli District have issued a fervent appeal to President Yoweri Museveni, urging his intervention against crippling high taxes, unregulated levies, and what they describe as rampant power exploitation. The business community, however, coupled their grievances with a strong assurance of their readiness to actively mobilize votes for the government, emphasizing that sustained peace is a crucial prerequisite for economic and business development.
The heartfelt call was made during a “Meet, Listen, and Make Solutions” initiative organized by the Kamuli Traders Association (KTA). The executive dialogue brought together representatives from the Industrial Area, market vendors, transporters, and other business communities to voice their concerns.
Mubarak Isabirye, the chairperson of the Kamuli Traders Association, underscored the significant political influence of the business sector. “Traders and businessmen are a great campaign force who meet every voter,” Isabirye stated. “As a reserve team, we are ready, steady, and set to protect our hard-earned incomes, businesses, and prospects by rallying behind seasoned President Mzee Museveni.”
Despite their pledge of loyalty, Isabirye did not shy away from reminding the government of unfulfilled promises to the business community. These include improvements in transport infrastructure to the Lorry Park, a much-needed boost to the Traders’ SACCO, and a critical review of existing power tariffs.
Aggrey Tigawalana, the chairperson of the Industry Area milkers, specifically highlighted exploitation by the Uganda Electricity Commercial Distribution Limited (UECDL). He called for the urgent provision of prepaid meters and more stable transformers to meet the rising demand for electricity, which powers their installed machinery. “We are suffering from biking penalties and reluctance to avail us with pre-paid meters to run our machines,” Isabirye further elaborated on the power issues.
Transporters and drivers, represented by Saadi Alibawa, aired their frustrations over excessive deductions from their earnings due to numerous roadblocks, pointing out the one at Nagalama as particularly problematic. “Our take-home, which could have saved us, is eaten out servicing roadblocks, especially the one at Nagalama,” Alibawa lamented.
Rehema Nalongo, popularly known as Mama Matooke, a long-serving vendor at Kamuli Central Market, put forward a request for better facilities for women. She appealed for the provision of safe spaces, friendly washrooms to cater to women’s emergencies, and dedicated areas for children and babies within the market.
Nalongo also passionately requested government and President Museveni’s assistance in providing dedicated transport for women who travel daily to rural markets. She described the precarious situation where women often perch on trucks and can be left stranded amidst the hustle. “Women are catching up with family economic liberation, but the hustle is rough, so we request some transport and economic boost so that we can grow our businesses to be able to support our children and families,” she voiced, emphasizing the need for support to empower women-led businesses.
The collective appeal from Kamuli’s trading community underscores a desire for a more conducive business environment, with a clear message that their economic well-being is intrinsically linked to their political support for the sitting government.
