Kampala Traders Threatened With 10% Rent Increase If They Open Shops During Planned URA Demonstration

Kampala traders are reportedly facing threats of a 10 per cent rent increase if they refuse to close their businesses during the planned demonstration against the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, 2026.

The demonstration, being organised under the leadership of KACITA Uganda, is intended to raise concerns about URA’s tax administration, EFRIS implementation, customs valuation and other challenges affecting the business community.

However, the planned shutdown has sparked fresh controversy after a message circulated among traders warned that anyone who opens their business during the closure period would have an additional 10 per cent added to their rent. The message also thanked landlords who had reportedly agreed to support the planned closure.

The statement 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 per cent on rent would create an even bigger financial burden.

Questions are also being raised about why traders should face financial threats for choosing whether or not to participate in a demonstration. While business owners have a right to raise concerns about taxation and the cost of doing business, there are concerns that individual traders should also be allowed to make their own decisions without intimidation or pressure.

Meanwhile, 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 per cent increase in rent.

The controversy comes as several leaders within the countrywide traders’ association structures reportedly complain that they were never consulted before the demonstration was organised.

Some of the 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 concerns are also reflected in a statement issued by the National Entrepreneurs and Traders Association (NETA Uganda) on November 14, 2026. The association said it supports traders’ legitimate concerns but was neither consulted nor formally invited to participate in planning the demonstration.

NETA Uganda further clarified that it had not made an institutional decision to participate in or mobilise its members for the planned shutdown. It 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 therefore shifted attention beyond the grievances against URA to the leadership, consultation and methods being used to mobilise traders for the November 17 demonstration.