The Federation of Uganda Traders Association (FUTA) has called on President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to urgently engage traders before fully implementing his Trade Order, warning that sudden demolitions and inadequate planning are driving small businesses to the edge and risking social instability.
At a consultative meeting held on Tuesday, June 9th, 2026, at Mascedo Hotel in Kabuusu, FUTA members led by the Association President, John Kabanda expressed growing concern over the implementation of the order in Kampala and neighbouring areas.
Herman Kavuma, the Trade Representative for Pentagon Plaza, said traders who previously operated from arcades and paid rent are now compelled to sell goods on TikTok, while roadside vendors continue to struggle.
“The population of 45 million citizens if not properly planned for, the peace that you have worked so hard to achieve will be lost. There is no person that can be governed if they are hungry,” Kavuma said.
Joseph Ssekitto Wasswa, the Chairman of Traders in Lukaya, criticized what he described as abrupt demolitions.
“Someone just woke up one day, marked a particular building, acquired a bulldozer and just demolished,” he noted.
He called for FUTA to be involved in implementation discussions and proposed that Kabanda be appointed to a relevant government position.
John Katumba, Chairman of Traders in Buyende, reported that many businesses dependent on fish trading have shut down completely due to the order and restrictions on lake activities.
Josiah Kaweesa, Trade Representative for Mityana, acknowledged the President’s recent letter but argued that officials had provided Museveni with incomplete information.
“The trade order is not bad but the method of implementation… the respective District Town Clerks were not adequately trained,” he said.
Yannas Mawanda, Chairman of Traders in Bukomansimbi, welcomed the President’s willingness to engage in dialogue and called for direct communication channels between FUTA and Museveni.
Kabanda assured members that flood relief funds pledged during the election campaign would soon be released and encouraged continued engagement with government.
The traders, who say they mobilized support for Museveni in Kampala, insisted that the policy must be accompanied by proper sensitization and planning measures to safeguard livelihoods.
