The Minister for Kampala and Metropolitan Affairs, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, has appealed to city traders to abandon plans for a strike slated for early November, assuring them that government is already addressing their long-standing concerns.
While addressing her supporters at Nakivubo Blue Primary School shortly after her nomination on Wednesday, 22nd October, 2025, Kabanda urged traders under the Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA) to exercise patience as discussions between relevant ministries and agencies continue.
“The Ministry of Trade and other responsible government agencies are handling your issues. I request the traders to continue doing business as their concerns are being addressed,” the Kampala Metropolitan Affairs Minister stated.
“I will work with city authorities and the central government to improve roads and secure more trade spaces for our business community,” she added said.
Her appeal comes amid renewed tensions between KACITA and government authorities over what traders describe as an unfair tax regime, coupled with high rental fees, rising competition from petty foreign traders, and unfulfilled promises from previous negotiations.
According to KACITA spokesperson, Isa Sekitto, traders have resolved to close their shops on November 4th, 2025, if the government fails to act on their demands.
“Traders have unanimously resolved that come November 4th, 2025, if government does not come out to resolve issues that have been pending for long, they will close shops until their concerns are addressed,” Sekitto said during a crisis meeting held in Kampala earlier in the day.
The planned strike follows a similar protest in August 2025 which was suspended after a meeting between KACITA leaders and Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, who pledged swift government intervention. However, traders now accuse the government of failing to fulfill its promises.
If no consensus is reached before November 4th, Kampala risks another wave of business closures that could paralyze trade across the city.
As government officials and KACITA return to the negotiation table, the coming days will be crucial in determining whether dialogue can prevail over confrontation in resolving the traders’ grievances.
