It seems Kampala’s finest have taken on a new role—part-time shopkeepers.
Kampala Road has become the latest stage for what can only be described as a high-stakes game of “Open Sesame.” On July 31, 2024, a number of traders in the city centre decided to shut their shops in protest after their much-hyped meeting with President Museveni fizzled out like a firecracker on a rainy day.
Enter the police, who have taken on the role of enthusiastic but slightly misplaced cheerleaders, urging traders to unlock their shop doors and get back to business. The message from the law enforcers is as clear as a Ugandan sunrise: “We promise you safety and security if you choose to reopen.”
Our ever vigilant police officers have traded their usual routines of blocking rallies and anti corruption protestst for a fresh mission: coaxing disgruntled traders to reopen their shops and abandon their strike. Yes, you heard that right.
The public’s response to this approach has been nothing short of a viral sensation. Emma Lun, never one to mince words, wondered aloud, “When will our leaders realize that deploying police isn’t a cure-all? Shouldn’t they be trying to solve the problem rather than just policing it?”
Over on Twitter, the reaction has been equally colorful. Posted: “Is this really part of their job description? Since when did encouraging shop openings become a policing duty?” Bar Media quipped about the officers’ families witnessing their new roles: “Embarrassing family moments right there!”
Jojo chimed in with a dose of historical irony: “A week ago, these same traders were boycotting the march to Parliament. Now they’re cornered and asking for our support. They’ll learn about unity the hard way!” Sonko Liam was more concerned about police priorities: “Do these officers even know what they’re supposed to be doing?”
Herbert expressed frustration about the traders’ predicament: “It’s painful seeing people standing hopelessly outside their shops. They should just join the #March2Parliament. We’d fix this country in no time!”
Guyi suggested a nationwide economic shutdown, saying, “Maybe we need a complete sector-wide shutdown to demand better policies. Unity in frustration might just do the trick.”
Taingani criticized the police’s role, pointing out the absurdity of their current task: “Now police are advising traders on what to do, as if they help with the taxes they’re protesting!”
Hussein raised a skeptical eyebrow: “Really, is this what police should be doing?”
Nabasa noted the shift in tactics: “So now they’re cajoling instead of using teargas and blunt force?”
Michelle added to the commentary with a touch of humor: “In Uganda, people don’t know their duties. How can police come out and start telling traders to reopen their businesses? What’s URA supposed to do?”
Dickens Okello summed up the situation with a wry smile: “We’ve got free drama every day in Uganda. Who needs cinema?”
Jimmy Kiberu saw a deeper strategy at play: “This looks like classic divide and rule. By encouraging some traders to reopen, they’re trying to break the traders’ unity. It would be better to engage and address their issues directly.”
Jojo couldn’t help but wonder about budgeting priorities: “So there’s a budget for this? A special police budget just for encouraging traders?”
Ben urged leaders to rethink their approach: “Not everything can be solved by sending police. There are better ways to handle these issues.”
Kasule Douglas compared the situation to a schoolyard: “They’re treating citizens like students being threatened with expulsion for protesting bad food and teachers. That never solves the problem; it just makes things worse.”
Opolot Abel was direct about the root issue: “The real problem isn’t the safety of businesses but unresolved issues like EFRIS that the NRM is refusing to address. We need participatory governance.”
Kakumba Nelson humorously responded to corruption protests with a satirical twist: “Traders are closing shops to support Speaker Anita Among’s stand on Ugandan values. We’re all in solidarity!”
Finally, Kabaale Enock clarified what traders truly need: “Traders aren’t asking for police protection; they want to make a profit. Security is a given.”
