Minister Sanjay Tanna meets KACITA to streamline trade issues, proposes traders’ confederation.
By Our Reporter
KAMPALA, UGANDA: The Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Hon. Sanjay Tanna, has met the Board of Kampala City Traders Association [KACITA] to strengthen collaboration with the business community and address key challenges affecting traders.
The meeting, held at the Ministry headquarters, was led by KACITA Chairman, Mr. Issa Sekito.
Minister Tanna and the KACITA leadership agreed on the need to rekindle the working relationship between the Ministry of Trade and traders’ associations.
A key proposal discussed was the reorganization of traders’ associations into one inclusive structure — a confederation — to bring together bodies including KACITA, FUTA, PSFU and UNCCI under a stronger unified voice.
“The Ministry believes that a single, organized platform will help government engage traders better and resolve industry issues faster,” Minister Tanna said.
Key issues on the table
The meeting also discussed:
- Import permits: Streamlining the issuance of import permits for rice traders to reduce delays and bottlenecks.
- Taxation on second-hand clothes: Concerns over the 30% environmental levy imposed on imported used clothes and the collection of taxes on garments per kilo.
- Trade disorder: The growing problem of manufacturers engaging directly in retailing, which traders say undermines fair competition in the market.
Mr. Sekito welcomed the Minister’s engagement, noting that open dialogue is critical to addressing the day-to-day challenges traders face in Kampala and across the country.
About the Author
