After several days of disruption, traders in Kampala have ended their strike and resumed business operations. The strike was prompted by concerns over a new tax system, the Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing Solution (EFRIS), which the traders deemed unfair and potentially damaging to their businesses due to double taxation.
Led by the Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA), the traders called for a reevaluation of the tax system and sought alternative methods for revenue collection that would not burden them excessively.
Following negotiations and a meeting with President Yoweri Museveni, held on Friday, April 19th, 2024, a compromise was reached. Thaddeus Musoke, Chairman of KACITA, announced that the government agreed to suspend the implementation of the EFRIS system temporarily. In return, the traders agreed to end their strike and resume their businesses.
The resumption of business activities brought a sense of relief to both traders and residents of Kampala. Streets that were previously deserted were once again bustling with activity as traders reopened their shops and markets. People could be seen buying and selling goods, signaling the revival of the city’s economy.
Sarah Kanyike, a trader in Kikuubo, expressed her satisfaction with the resolution, stating, “I am happy that the strike is over and we can get back to work. It was a difficult few days, but I am glad we could agree with the government.”
Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, the Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, also expressed relief at the end of the strike, emphasizing the government’s commitment to supporting the business community in Kampala.
The resolution was not only welcomed by traders but also by retail traders and hawkers who were equally affected by the strike. John Kaweesi, a resident of Kampala, expressed his joy at being able to resume normal activities and hoped for continued cooperation between the government and traders for the city’s prosperity.
With the strike resolved, life in Kampala is gradually returning to normalcy. Loading and offloading of goods resumed as traders put an end to their disagreements with the government over the EFRIS tax collection system.
