The interim leadership of the Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA), headed by Thadeous Nagenda Musoke, has disassociated itself from a planned traders’ strike slated for Tuesday, August 19, 2025.
Speaking to the press at the KACITA offices located at Royal Complex on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, Musoke clarified that the strike was not sanctioned by KACITA leadership and that those advocating for it were acting without authority.
“We are aware of a planned traders’ strike, but we as KACITA leadership are not part of it. The individuals claiming to have organized the strike are masqueraders. We call upon all city traders to stand down as we engage key stakeholders,” Musoke stated.
Musoke further introduced a newly formed interim executive committee, which he said will steer the association’s activities until fresh elections are held in December. He urged all traders to disregard any communication not issued through his office as the official KACITA chairperson.
“On Saturday, August 9, 2025, we held a special members’ meeting where the interim executive was elected. This team will run KACITA affairs until December. Until then, any KACITA-related matters should be addressed through this office, the legitimate leadership known to all our members,” he added.
KACITA Director for Legal Affairs, David Kintu, echoed the chairman’s sentiments and emphasized the association’s commitment to dialogue over confrontation.
“We are engaging all internal leaders within KACITA and urging them not to participate in any strike. Instead, we will open discussions with government stakeholders to resolve the traders’ concerns,” Kintu said.
He confirmed that plans are underway to engage the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), the Ministry of Trade, the Ministry of Finance, and even the Office of the President to address the pressing issues affecting the business community.
Kampala traders, under KACITA, have previously staged protests and shop closures, citing what they describe as an oppressive tax regime that hinders business operations. They have long called on the government to review and revise the current tax policies to create a more favorable business environment.
