The business owners operating in different buildings in Uganda’s capital, Kampala, have blamed their landlords for closing downtown arcades without their consent.

During a survey conducted by Nexus Media, some traders operating in shopping arcades in the downtown of Kampala revealed that their efforts to reach out to their landlords to justify the close down issue are still futile.

According to James Mulindwa, a businessman dealing in sportswear in Kikuubo, landlords have declined their calls since morning, yet they (business owners) would wish to open up and attend to their customers.

Mulindwa also blamed the trader’s top leadership, led by Dr. Thaddeus Musoke Nagenda, chairperson of the Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA), and John Kabanda, chairperson of the New Generation Traders Association (FUTA), for ignoring their concerns.

“We are calling our landlords, but they are not picking up the calls. Some of our friends in Wakiseka and other parts are working. Our leaders did not consult us, the people at the bottom of the pyramid. I was disappointed to see Kabanda passing here without stopping and speaking to us,” Mulindwa said.

Francis Ojok, a causal worker, called on traders’ leaders to take the trouble to resolve issues affecting the business because it is the only  source of income they have.

“We expect salaries at the end of the month, but we can’t get them now because our bosses are not working. I can’t request for my salary because the boss will ask me whether there is any business operating,” Ojok said.

However, John Kabanda has maintained that the government should act on the grievances if they are to open their shops and resume business.

He demanded President Museveni come out and address the traders concerns to end the strike that has entered day two.

Edward Ntale, a leader under KACITA, condemned the dismissive stance taken by Minister of State for Kampala and Metropolitan Affairs Kabuye Kyofatogabye towards their grievances, stating that they will not be intimidated by anyone to open businesses.

“A whole minister released a statement in the media that the president cancelled his meeting with the traders. That shows that he (the President) has no respect for traders or the business community at large,” Francis Ddamulira, General Secretary Kampala Arcade’s Advocacy, said.

The traders were scheduled to meet with President Museveni on Wednesday, July 31, but it was postponed to an unspecified date this month.

President Museveni met with traders at Kololo Independence grounds on May 7, 2024, and pledged to address issues affecting traders such as the implementation of EFRIS, taxes on per kilogram of clothes, and dominance of trade by foreigners.