In Kampala’s bustling heart, the simmering anger against Museveni’s administration has erupted into a telling demonstration of governmental disdain. Traders, who are central to Uganda’s economic pulse, were betrayed by the sudden cancellation of their crucial meeting with President Museveni. This incident is not a mere blunder; it epitomizes the regime’s contempt for the very citizens it exploits.
The strike, which saw downtown arcades closing their doors, was more than a response to a missed meeting—it was a rebellion against the regime’s chronic neglect and the condescending arrogance of officials like Minister Minsa Kabanda. Her decision to communicate via a voice note, as though dealing with a trivial personal matter rather than addressing major economic stakeholders, is a glaring indicator of how detached Museveni’s government is from the real issues at hand.
KACITA’s chairperson, Thadeaus Musoke, rightly decried the government’s dismissiveness. The traders’ protest arose from the government’s persistent failure to address their legitimate grievances, compounded by a stubborn push for the Electronic Fiscal Receipting System, which has been met with fierce resistance. This isn’t just about taxes or foreign competitors; it’s about a regime that systematically disregards and undermines the voices of its own people.
The Prime Minister’s intervention, which came only after the strike had begun, is a textbook example of ineffectual damage control. The meeting orchestrated by Robinah Nabbanja was nothing more than a public relations stunt designed to cover up the government’s gross incompetence. The landlords’ accusations against KACITA, represented by figures like Godfrey Kirumira, are mere deflections intended to shift blame. Their main concern remains their rent, not the plight of the traders.
Once again, Museveni’s regime is attempting to placate the masses with insincere promises. The President’s vague commitment to a future meeting with the traders is a hollow gesture, a desperate attempt to buy time while substantive change remains perpetually out of reach. The traders’ demands are not only justified but urgent, yet the government’s response has been feeble and patronizing.
This episode highlights a deeper malaise within Museveni’s rule—an entrenched arrogance and a callous disregard for the needs of ordinary Ugandans. It is a stark reminder that the current regime, with its disdainful approach, is long overdue for a reckoning. It’s time for Ugandans to demand more than mere words from a government that has proven itself unworthy of the trust and sacrifice of its people.
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