Expert warns gov’t: Ugandans will face pinch of traders’ protests

Experts have warned that the tensions escalating in Uganda’s business sector as traders threaten protests following the abrupt cancellation of a pivotal meeting with President Museveni, may lead the country into turmoil over EFRIS.

The meeting, intended to address growing concerns over the Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing System (EFRIS), was unexpectedly called off, leaving traders frustrated and disappointed.

Dr. Sarah Kizza, a respected economic expert, has warned the government of potential fallout from the cancelled talks.

“The traders were anticipating a dialogue that could help resolve the issues they face with EFRIS,” Dr. Kizza stated. “With the meeting now off, their frustrations are likely to manifest in protests, which could disrupt daily life and commerce across the country.”

The EFRIS system, designed to enhance tax compliance and streamline financial transactions, has been a point of contention among traders.

Many argue that it imposes significant costs and technical challenges, particularly on small and medium-sized enterprises. The now-cancelled meeting with the President was seen as a critical opportunity for traders to voice their concerns and seek relief measures.

One trader, expressing the collective sentiment of many, said, “We’ve been struggling with EFRIS, and the government promised to listen to us. The cancellation feels like a betrayal, and now we’re considering all our options, including protests.”

Dr. Kizza emphasized the broader impact potential protests could have, warning that disruptions over EFRIS could affect not only the traders but also the general public.

“If protests occur, there could be a significant impact on the economy and daily life in Uganda,” she noted. “The government needs to engage with the traders to prevent the situation from escalating further.”

Mr. Museveni was set to meet the traders today at the Kololo Independence Grounds after missing a previous meeting about the EFRIS discussions with traders on June 20.

The Senior Press Secretary to the President, Sandor Walusimbi, confirmed the development, saying the meeting was cancelled because the venue is still undergoing rehabilitation.

Mr. Walusimbi said that the President will meet with the traders at a later date, which will be announced and they talk more about the EFRIS system and how it affects them.

But Thaddeus Nagenda Musoke, the chairman of Kampala Capital City Traders Association, said they learnt about the meeting’s cancellation on EFRIS from a message sent by the Minister of Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Minsa Kabanda, to their WhatsApp group.

Nagenda said many traders are now stranded as they had paused the importation of goods and delayed business decisions in anticipation of what the head of state would decide at the meeting.

ICYMI:https://charmarnews.com/city-traders-woes-ura-to-open-downtown-office/

As tensions rise, Dr. Kizza an expert warns gov’t that the business community and the government should find themselves at a critical juncture. Will the traders’ voices be heard, or will the situation escalate into widespread unrest? The coming days will be telling as both sides navigate this delicate situation.

Traders prepare to make their voices heard, the situation remains tense, with many Ugandans watching closely to see how the government will respond.

“The outcome of this standoff could have lasting implications for both the business community and the country’s economic stability.” Dr. Kizza an expert warns gov’t