Traders under the Uganda National Traders Alliance (UNATA) have called for urgent reforms in taxation, access to affordable credit and the regulation of trade as they seek stronger government support for the business community.
The concerns were raised during a courtesy meeting between a UNATA delegation led by President Godfrey Katongole and State Minister for Finance (General Duties) Cissy Mulondo at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.
The traders presented a range of challenges affecting their businesses, including taxation, counterfeit products, tax assessments, trade order and the high cost of borrowing. They also proposed closer cooperation between government and traders to address persistent challenges in the commercial sector.
Katongole urged government to strengthen taxpayer education and engagement, saying better communication would help traders understand their obligations, improve tax compliance and reduce disagreements with tax authorities. He also called for greater consistency, transparency and fairness in tax assessments.
The UNATA delegation further raised concern over expensive commercial loans, warning that high interest rates and limited access to affordable financing are forcing some businesses to rely on informal lenders, which can expose traders to additional financial pressure.
The meeting builds on earlier engagements between UNATA and officials from the office of the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, Ramathan Ggoobi. Traders previously called for standardised tax values, reduced rental charges in commercial buildings and government intervention over increasing electricity costs.
Katongole said traders also want government to review taxes on textile products, reconsider the Uganda Revenue Authority’s assessment of some imported goods based on weight and give traders greater opportunity to participate in national budget consultations.
Mulondo assured the delegation that the concerns raised would be considered and pledged further engagement to identify practical solutions. UNATA, which has conducted nationwide consultations with traders in several parts of Uganda, says it will continue presenting the business community’s concerns and recommendations to government in pursuit of a fairer and more sustainable trading environment.
