Kampala traders are facing threats of a 10% rent increase if they refuse to close their businesses during a planned demonstration against the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, 2026. The demonstration, organised by KACITA Uganda, aims to raise concerns about URA's tax administration, EFRIS implementation, customs valuation, and other challenges affecting the business community.
The planned shutdown has sparked controversy after a message circulated among traders warned that anyone who opens their business during the closure period would have an additional 10% added to their rent. The message also thanked landlords who had reportedly agreed to support the planned closure. This has raised concerns among traders, particularly those who depend on daily sales to pay rent, support their families, pay workers, and meet other financial obligations.
For some business owners, remaining closed for a day could mean losing important income, while an additional 10% on rent would create an even bigger financial burden. Questions are being raised about why traders should face financial threats for choosing whether or not to participate in a demonstration. Business owners have a right to raise concerns about taxation and the cost of doing business, but there are concerns that individual traders should also be allowed to make their own decisions without intimidation or pressure.
A woman has reportedly been distributing flyers at Pentagon City, urging traders to close their businesses during the planned demonstration. The mobilisation has attracted attention following claims that traders who defy the closure and open their shops will face a 10% increase in rent. This has added to the controversy surrounding the planned demonstration.
Several leaders within the countrywide traders' association structures have reportedly complained that they were never consulted before the demonstration was organised. Some leaders argue that whenever there is a genuine issue affecting traders, consultations normally involve different levels of leadership. They question why the same inclusive approach was apparently not followed when planning an activity that could affect businesses across the country.
The National Entrepreneurs and Traders Association (NETA Uganda) issued a statement on November 14, 2026, expressing support for traders' legitimate concerns but clarifying that it was neither consulted nor formally invited to participate in planning the demonstration. NETA Uganda called for inclusive dialogue involving government, URA, and different business associations to address the challenges facing traders.
While traders have a right to peacefully demonstrate against policies and practices they consider unfair, questions are emerging about whether business owners should also be allowed to decide freely whether to close their shops without facing threats of financial penalties. The controversy has shifted attention beyond the grievances against URA to the leadership, consultation, and methods being used to mobilise traders for the November 17 demonstration.
Key points
- The planned demonstration against URA has sparked controversy over threats of a 10% rent increase for traders who choose not to close their businesses.
- Traders and business associations have raised concerns about the lack of consultation and intimidation tactics used to enforce the planned shutdown.
- The controversy has highlighted the need for inclusive dialogue between government, URA, and different business associations to address the challenges facing traders.
