By Our Reporter
Thousands of traders from across the country gathered at Macsedo Resort Hotel in Ndeeba, Lubaga Division, calling on the government to halt ongoing operations that have led to the demolition of businesses in various areas.
Speaking through the president of the Federation of Uganda Traders Associations (FUTA), John Kabanda, traders from districts including Iganga, Masaka, Arua, Lyantonde, and Mbarara presented a report highlighting the concerns of business men and women affected by the ongoing trade order enforcement operations.
Kabanda said the report will be submitted to the Office of the Prime Minister, led by Robinah Nabbanja, urging her to work with local leaders to temporarily stop the evictions. The traders emphasized that while they are not opposed to the trade order operations, the government should first put in place clear plans and alternative arrangements for those whose businesses are being demolished, especially roadside vendors.
He noted that thousands of traders who previously operated at night along roadsides have been left stranded, with no alternative means of earning a living. Kabanda stressed that many of the affected traders had been paying taxes to local government authorities and therefore deserve fair treatment and consideration.
“We are not fighting the trade order operations, but we are asking for justice,” Kabanda said, adding that the government should identify suitable locations where displaced traders can continue operating.
Kabanda, together with FUTA spokesperson Moses Lwegaba, also called on the government to immediately compensate traders affected by floods. They further proposed the establishment of Sunday markets to accommodate vendors who had been operating along roadsides.
Other leaders, led by Twaha Mugwanya, the Kyotera District Traders Chairperson, urged the government to suspend the ongoing operations, warning that many traders have suffered heavy financial losses. He pointed out that some had taken loans to start their businesses and now risk losing their property to lenders and banks due to the sudden evictions.
