Government Plans Crackdown on Foreigners in Hawking Business
The government of Uganda is taking steps to address the presence of foreigners involved in small trading activities across the country. Simon Mundeyi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Internal Affairs, revealed this information during a press briefing at the Uganda Police headquarters.
Mundeyi stated that the government has observed an increasing number of foreigners, particularly from Egypt, engaging in petty trade, such as selling kitchenware and related items, on hire purchase. He emphasized that these individuals often retain Ugandan national identity cards, which they use as leverage to hold people accountable for unpaid debts.
During the briefing, Mundeyi highlighted concerns about the arrest of Ugandans who fail to make payments for the products they acquire from these foreigners. He urged citizens not to surrender their documents to foreigners and emphasized the illegality of such actions.
Foreigners coming to Uganda fall under various categories, including business and trade, manufacturers, and government contractors. Mundeyi explained that while some foreigners live in Uganda without proper documentation, others engage in activities not aligned with their permits. Some individuals who come as manufacturers end up participating in petty trading activities.
To address this issue, Mundeyi encouraged residents to report any suspected cases of foreigners engaging in illegal trade to the authorities. He emphasized that foreigners should only engage in sectors where there is a shortage of local skills.
Additionally, Mundeyi discussed the tactics employed by illegal immigrants, who reportedly use local agents to coerce citizens into surrendering their national identity cards in exchange for utensils. He expressed concern about residents’ lack of awareness regarding the potential consequences of such actions.
Mundeyi assured the public that authorities are working to address this concerning trend and urged vigilance in reporting any suspicious activities involving foreigners.
He assured the public that authorities are working to address this alarming trend and crack down on illegal trading practices involving foreigners.
