Uganda buys far more from foreign countries than it sells abroad, creating a massive $4.6 billion trade gap. Because international sellers only accept US dollars, local traders are constantly scrambling to buy greenbacks, driving the dollar’s value up and shilling down.
"It is very sad to learn of the death of our brother Hon. Charles Matovu, former Member of Parliament for Busiro South, who passed on yesterday. Hon. Matovu represented his people with vigor and utmost dedication in the 11th Parliament. He was a member of the Parliamentary football team, where his tremendous contribution led us to dominate the East African Parliamentary games. My condolences go out to his family, the people of Busiro South, and the country at large. May he rest in eternal peace., Tayebwa said.
“We are to demand performance from both the NRM and the opposition. As long as you are getting money from the government, you must check what is happening on the ground,” Museveni said.
Key directives included the continuation of Trade Order enforcement in Kampala without interruption, a requirement for the KCCA Executive Director to safeguard the gains already made, and instructions for enforcement teams to remain firm, consistent, and professional in their work.
Government's policy of relocating street vendors from the city affects many traders in the arcades since vendors sell merchandise on behalf of shop owners on a commission-based mutual arrangement.
Small-sized business owners at the Abaita Ababiri Trading Center have called on the government to intervene and regulate prices at China Town, a newly opened supermarket that they claim is severely impacting their sales and threatening their livelihoods.
Kampala City traders have since pushed the quest to meet President Museveni to express their discontent; however, their efforts have remained futile after Museveni postponed the meeting to unknown dates. The traders want President Museveni to halt the Chinese dominance of the economy and use of EFRIS, among others.