In a bold and unprecedented move to amplify the voices of Ugandan traders and bridge the long-standing gap between the government and the business community, the Uganda National Traders Alliance (UNATA) has embarked on a series of nationwide consultative tours aimed at identifying the challenges affecting traders and forging lasting solutions.
Spearheaded by UNATA Chairman Mr. Godfrey Katongole and Executive Director Mr. Kwebiha Muzamir Aboololi, the tours are covering municipalities and cities across the country. The campaign started with Kasese on 18th March 2025, followed by Masaka (19th March), Fort Portal (21st March), Gulu (26th March), Mubende and Soroti (28th March), Mbale (29th March), Kabale (1st April), and Mbarara. The next major engagement is set for 13th May 2025 in Jinja City, where UNATA will meet with traders from the entire Busoga region.
A Response to the Traders’ Outcry
This countrywide initiative was triggered by an outcry from traders beyond Kampala, where most associations have traditionally focused their efforts. Following a strategic meeting at Grand Imperial Hotel, UNATA elected regional coordinators, who are now leading mobilization efforts across the country. Importantly, as UNATA leadership has emphasized, “we don’t mobilize people; they mobilize themselves” — a testament to the organic and widespread support for the movement.
UNATA aims not only to address traders’ grievances but also to promote local manufacturing, import substitution, and ultimately a stronger, more inclusive economy. The association is compiling a comprehensive report that will be presented to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, highlighting both the challenges and the practical recommendations from traders across the nation.
Challenges Identified So Far
UNATA has already documented a range of critical issues from the ongoing consultations, including:
Spontaneous Rent Increases: Business premises rents are hiked without notice, yet businesses are still struggling post-COVID.
International Hawkers Masquerading as Investors: Traders report unfair competition from foreigners conducting retail trade under the guise of investment.
Lack of Public Services in Key Cities: Masaka, for example, lacks essential offices such as passport and driving permit issuing centers.
Militarized Fishing Industry: Traders from fishing communities report excessive regulation by the army, making trade difficult.
Lack of Industrial Parks: Many regions lack industrial parks which would support value addition and reduce dependency on imports.
Taxation Awareness Gap: Communities are not sensitized about taxation, leading to over-taxation and extortion.
Youth Unemployment and Lack of Skills: Limited skilling centers leave the youth unequipped for modern entrepreneurship.
Exclusion from Government Programs: Traders claim they were sidelined from post-COVID recovery packages.
Poor Road Networks: Especially the Kasese-Mpondwe border road, which hampers timely delivery of goods.
Limited Involvement in Budgeting: Traders urge the government to consult the business community when drafting national budgets.
Key Recommendations to the President
As part of the final report to President Museveni, UNATA is recommending:
- Establishment of More Industrial Parks: Especially in underdeveloped regions to create employment and support local manufacturing.
- Decentralization of Public Services: Establish passport and driving permit offices in key regional cities like Masaka.
- Inclusion in National Budgeting Processes: Ensure business community leadership is consulted during budget formulation.
- Creation of a Traders’ SACCO: A national union SACCO to provide affordable credit and financial literacy.
- Reform in Fishing Industry Governance: Reduce militarization and ensure traders are part of regulatory discussions.
- Coffee Processing Plant in Central Uganda: Support for value addition near production zones for better farmer earnings.
- Support for Research and Education in Manufacturing: Especially on textile machinery and import substitution strategies.
- Comprehensive Tax Education Campaigns: To avoid exploitation and increase voluntary compliance.
- Support Local Manufacturing: Through incentives, tax breaks, and knowledge exchange.
UNATA leadership has strongly refuted claims that the alliance supports or finances opposition political activities. “We are not politically aligned. Those who fight us say so because they fear our impact. Our mission is clear — to serve the trader, regardless of political leaning,” Mr. Katongole emphasized.
The message is clear: UNATA is not merely a traders’ lobby group but a movement for national economic transformation. By gathering voices across Uganda, identifying pain points, and engaging the government with a united front, UNATA is carving out a new path for dialogue and inclusive development.
As the campaign continues and the report nears completion, all eyes are now on the upcoming Jinja City engagement. It is hoped that these engagements will culminate in meaningful government intervention, especially in overhauling taxation policies, supporting manufacturing, and giving traders the package they truly deserve.
