Newslex Point News in Uganda, Uganda news
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
Please use the button below to contribute to Newslex Point, Inc. using a credit card or via PayPal.
![[dropcap]A[/dropcap] section of women in Bugongo parish and Nawangaiza parish in Nawandala Sub County, Iganga District have decried the near-impossible terms set for them to access GROW funds. They have now petitioned their woman member of parliament for Iganga Hon. Kauma Sauda Alibaawo to ask the government for revised terms and conditions. This is to enable them to benefit from the program. The disgruntled women accuse the implementers of the program of charging the money. They are also asking for their land titles and land agreements. They said that such properties are governed by their husbands. These, therefore want the government through their woman MP to intervene and revise the requirements for one to benefit. The women were on Wednesday at Namabwere primary school in Nawandala Sub County. They had gathered in their respective groups to receive over 300 chickens from Hon Alibaawo in her campaign to improve the livelihood of women in Iganga district. Each group was given 50 chicken as start-up capital in their journey to prosperity. Read what some leaders said; Ms Naigambi Lydia from Nawandala Trading Centre says, “They solicited money from us through opening bank accounts and depositing Shs80,000. They also asked for land titles and land agreements from us yet we don’t have such things. I was informed that I needed to have a business with a capital of Shs4m yet my capital was very small.” The chairperson Kisoboka Saving Group in Nawandala Ms. Nakagolo Faith said they were not able to join the program. This is given the many conditions attached. She also asked their woman MP to raise their concerns to the relevant offices. The MP condemned the mode of implementation of the program. She cited that it has turned to benefit the well-off class of women other than the intended group. She further asked the government to intervene saying the current strings attached to the programme are very tight to accommodate a common woman. GROW project is a Government of Uganda initiative that arose out of the need to respond to the needs of women entrepreneurs. This is especially those who want to grow their businesses, sustain their self-employment and create more jobs. Check Also; Iganga District NRM Leaders Urge Museveni To Fulfill Election Promises Of 2021 International Women's Day: Celebrating Progress Towards Equality](https://i0.wp.com/newslexpoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Iganga-women-decry-tough-terms-to-access-GROW-funds-e1731738339732.jpg?resize=300%2C160&ssl=1)
