Yesterday the chairman of Kampala City Traders Association Chairperson Everest (KACITA) Kayondo said that business owners will forcefully open shops because many are chocking on loans that they acquired before the pandemic hit the country. Upon hearing this, the anti-riot police were deployed heavily downtown yesterday.
This did not stop city traders from opening shops although this is against the government directives. The police too did not hesitate to fire teargas on the traders that had forcefully decided to open businesses in the arcades this morning.
The angry traders especially from Kisseka market also fired back by bombarding the Uganda police with stones and everything within their reach.
There is still no directive from any government agency that has allowed arcades to open. Before thinking about opening up, owners of the arcades and traders were tasked to have adequate natural lighting and ventilation. They were also told to follow dedicated entry and exit points and shown devoted people to watch over them among others directives.
The traders found in arcades today were told to evacuate them with immediate effect. However, details coming up indicate that Kampala Capital City Traders’ Association (KACITA) is to hold a meeting with the government and other stakeholders today about the future of arcades. The General Secretary of KACITA, Thadeus Musoke also said that some arcades have been inspected and will most likely be able to open business. Details coming up.
Courtesy photos
