Speaking on The Heads Show during a discussion on Security, Democracy, and Business Stability in Uganda following the 2026 General Elections, Ntale Edward, President of UATEA, emphasized the direct link between political instability and the health of the business sector.
“During election periods, even regular customers delay spending, often saying they want to ‘first get past the political situation,’” he noted.
He explained that elections strain access to credit, as politicians often take bank loans, leaving businesspeople unable to secure financing. Additionally, campaign spending weakens the economy because money is widely dispersed among individuals rather than consolidated in banks, slowing financial circulation and recovery.
Ntale expressed concern that laws passed by Parliament often favor corrupt leaders, adding that the lack of a clear trade order in Kampala continues to hurt businesses. He emphasized that street traders are not the problem, and the term hawkers is outdated.
He clarified that the word hawker originates from the Swahili word “tembeya,” meaning a trader with no fixed stall who moves from place to place with their goods. According to Ntale, those operating along roadsides, in front of arcades, and near parking areas are not hawkers but vendors.
These vendors operate within road reserves, which fall under the authority of the Minister for Kampala, the KCCA Executive Director, and technical enforcement teams. Ntale highlighted that instead of enforcing laws and relocating vendors, KCCA has allocated them trading spaces, worsening congestion.
He further noted that formal traders bear high costs, paying monthly taxes and rent starting from Shs 3 million, and operating strictly between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Despite this, they struggle to reach customers due to vendors blocking entrances, and face challenges such as overcrowding, insecurity, and traffic congestion.
After committee discussions, a proposal was agreed upon to allow vendors to operate along road reserves on Sundays only, offering a more balanced solution. Ntale also warned that vendor congestion discourages people from accessing money safely, and emphasized that Sunday trading will not be effective unless the system is reformed.
He called on law enforcers to perform their duties professionally and avoid corruption, particularly enforcement teams deployed in the city. Ntale further alleged that some KCCA personnel conceal their uniforms with sweaters, and urged the public to report officers hiding their identification badges.