Traders close shops in Kampala, as strike kicks off

The Kampala City Traders have today began a two day sit down strike, with most of the shops closed.

The traders decided to close their shops today protesting against the increasing cost of doing business, on account of the depreciating shilling against foreign currencies, high trade license fees and taxes.

A meeting held with the trade minister Amelia Kyambadde last evening did not yield any results, and another is ongoing.

Another meeting is currently on going between the city traders and the trade minister Amelia Kyambadde at Nakivubo Stadium in a move expected to bring to an end the ongoing strike.

The usually busy Nasser Road is dull with no activity, while in Nakasero, it’s only the vendors that are working with all the shops in the area closed.

This is the same situation along William Street, where the traders can be seen sitting outside their shops.

Along Nakivubo, all the arcades are closed with the traders also seen sitting on their verandas.

The street vendors are however working and are selling their merchandise as usual.

Some of the traders who have spoken to KFM say they are awaiting communication from their leadership before deciding what to do next.

Luwum Street and Wilson road also have no business on going, though there are several cars parked on the streets.

In parts of Kibuye, Katwe and Ndeeba, most of the shops are closed though a few are open.

The banks are however open and working normally as well the sports betting houses. The traffic jam is very light in Katwe and the security is tight with soldiers seen patrolling the area.

In Wandegeya, most of the shops are open and operational though a few are participating in the sit down strike.

The traffic jam is as heavy as usual in Wandegeya and business is running as usual.

The supermarkets, restaurants and boutiques are also working normally.

The shops that are closed in Wandegeya are mainly those dealing in hardware and electricial appliances. In Ntinda, business is also on going as usual, with most of the shops open.

The police remains heavily deployed in most parts of the city, a move that the police spokesperson Judith Nabakoba says is meant to avoid any mishaps.

Kfm will keep you updated on the latest developments on this story as it develops.

Written by