The pivotal meeting, which took place on Friday night, saw the convergence of 61 trader leaders, spearheaded by Kabanda John of the Federation of Uganda’s Traders Associations (FUTA) and Dr. Musoke Thadeus Agenda from the Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA).
Discussions at the meeting revolved around the taxation structure, particularly the EFRIS system, which traders deemed burdensome.
In a statement released by State House, President Museveni directed URA to temporarily suspend all penalties associated with the EFRIS system, allowing for extensive consultations.
This move underscores the government's commitment to addressing the concerns of the trading community.
Acknowledging the traders' grievances, President Museveni affirmed his administration's dedication to fostering a conducive business environment.
He highlighted key issues raised during the meeting, including the taxation framework for textiles and the VAT threshold, emphasizing the need for fair and equitable policies.
Addressing the nation via social media, President Museveni emphasized the importance of supporting local industries and discouraging the influx of foreign goods.
He urged traders to consider the broader implications of their trade practices on Uganda's economic sovereignty.
As a testament to the progress made, traders have agreed to resume operations while awaiting further consultations.
President Museveni announced plans for a subsequent meeting scheduled for May 7th at Kololo Independence Grounds to delve deeper into the unresolved issues.
The resolution marks a significant step towards amicable solutions and underscores the power of constructive dialogue in resolving complex socio-economic challenges.
With both parties committed to finding common ground, there's optimism for a more inclusive and sustainable trading landscape in Uganda.
📌The meeting followed a strike by traders who closed their businesses, expressing discontent against URA’s implementation of the Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing Solution (EFRIS). pic.twitter.com/0KQuz292aV
— State House Uganda (@StateHouseUg) April 20, 2024
