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Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | A section of traders in Kampala on Wednesday closed their shops, demanding a meeting with President Museveni.
The strike comes after Museveni called off a planned meeting on Tuesday with the traders, who are protesting against EFRIS and high taxes.
EFRIS involves the use of Electronic Fiscal Devices, EFD to issue e-receipts and e-invoices. It is not a tax but some traders say they do not understand the system while others are complaining about the high costs of acquiring the EFD that ensure transactions are automatically transmitted to URA in real-time.
Several traders were seen standing next to their closed businesses. Most of the shops and arcades closed are along the Nabugabo, Kikubo, and William streets.
Apart from the urge to remove EFRIS and high taxes, the traders also want the issue of foreign investors dealing in petty businesses addressed.
Edward Ntale, Chairperson of the United Arcade Traders Association (UATEA), expressed frustration with President Museveni’s failure to meet with them and address their concerns.
Despite promises to meet on July 20th and 30th, the President postponed the meeting without explanation, Ntale claims that the President is unwilling to engage with the traders.
Other traders including Allan Kabalega and Deus Tumwesigye shared their grievances, citing high shop rents, excessive taxes imposed by the URA, and unfair competition from foreign investors who are dominating small businesses.
Tumwesigye said that they will remain closed until the government addresses these issues, stating. “Let’s close our businesses and see where the government will get the taxes they collect from us. Tumwesigye said”
On Tuesday, Minister for Kampala, Minsa Kabanda urged traders not to close their shops, warning that they would be the ones incurring losses.
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