Traders have declared their intention to actively support politicians who align with their business interests as the 2026 general elections approach.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday in Kampala, former Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA) official, Mr Thaddeus Musoke Nagenda, who recently formed a new traders association, said the decision is in response to what traders perceive as a lack of support from current government policies.
Nagenda, now chairman of the National Entrepreneurs and Traders Association (NETA), said traders under the new association will also openly reveal the politicians they support at various political positions across the country.
“We’re going to openly reveal and campaign for politicians who back our interests. It’s time we take a more proactive approach to ensuring our voices are heard in government. We’ll be supporting those who understand the challenges we face and are willing to work with us to create a more conducive business environment,” he said.
He added, “As traders, we contribute significantly to the economy, but often our concerns fall on deaf ears. It’s time we use our collective power to influence policy decisions that affect us directly.”
The traders’ association plans to identify and support politicians who demonstrate a commitment to addressing issues such as taxation, market infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks. Nagenda emphasized that their support would not be limited to financial contributions but would also include mobilizing the trading community to campaign for these politicians.
“We expect our supported politicians to be advocates for traders’ rights and interests. This is a new chapter in Uganda’s political landscape, where the business community is taking a more assertive role in shaping and having their own voices amplified,” Nagenda said.
NETA Secretary General, Mr Samuel Kyambadde, said their decision stems from the fact that traders’ policies and regulatory frameworks are made by politicians.
“We shall differ from other associations, who argue that traders should not practically support politicians or engage in politics. Our basis is that decisions and policies are made by politicians, why can’t we support serious politicians with the backing of the business community?” he said.
Mr. Kyambadde said their offices are open to all politicians, noting that they will soon announce politicians they are going to fund and support.
The business community has long protested what they call unfair tax policies, unfair trade policies, and other grievances. Key issues include taxes on kilograms on garments and textiles, the electronic fiscal receipt and invoicing systems (EFRIS), high rent, and foreign competition in the retail sector.
In October, traders also suffered destructive floods after a heavy downpour that destroyed commodities downtown, which many claimed the situation was worsened by the ongoing construction works along the Nakivubo channel.