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The Kampala City Traders Association ( KACITA ) strike goes beyond a mere business disruption, reflecting profound frustrations within the trading community that demand the government’s attention.
Comprising a significant portion of Uganda’s business sector, KACITA holds sway over the country’s economy.
Noted senior economist Dr. Paul Wabiga emphasizes that while the strike’s urban impact may seem limited, its immediate consequences include job losses for casual laborers and service providers such as transporters.
The closure of shops not only affects urban subsistence earners but also results in reduced demand within the city’s sub-economy, leading to a cascade of effects on employment and welfare.
The closure of shops and halting of transactions by traders during the strike reverberated throughout the entire country, causing significant revenue losses and economic instability.
Indirect taxes, like VAT, typically collected from sales, are also jeopardized, posing a threat to the government’s revenue streams.
The KACITA strike underscores mounting dissatisfaction with government policies, particularly related to taxation and regulatory burdens that traders perceive as oppressive.
Economist Francis Muhire warns that dismissing these concerns jeopardizes not only economic disruptions but also undermines trust and collaboration between the business community and state entities, potentially damaging investor confidence both domestically and internationally.
Potential for escalation and crisis
The KACITA strike’s resonance extends beyond the trading sector, with the possibility of inspiring other industries to take similar actions, amplifying unrest and escalating into a broader crisis.
It is imperative for the government to view this strike as a critical call for dialogue and responsive policy adjustments to uphold a stable and thriving business environment
Taking proactive steps to address the grievances raised by the KACITA strike is essential to prevent further escalation and foster a conducive economic climate. By engaging in constructive dialogue and making necessary policy adaptations, the government can avert prolonged disruptions and cultivate a climate of economic resilience and prosperity.
Check also;
- Kampala Traders Stand Firm: Demanding Dialogue And Dignity
- Traders Agree To Resume Business Following Meeting With Museveni
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