Galiraaya Plaza Traders Protest High Taxes and Rent Hikes

Kampala, Uganda

Business activity came to a standstill at Galiraaya Plaza in downtown Kampala today after traders staged a protest over what they described as unbearable taxes and escalating rent charges.

The demonstrators blew whistles, sounded vuvuzelas, and banged shop doors to compel fellow traders to close in solidarity. They accused landlords of arbitrarily increasing rent by up to 50 percent, saying the move contravenes provisions of the Landlord and Tenant Act. The traders also faulted the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) for what they termed punitive tax measures under the electronic invoicing and receipting system (EFRIS).

Security forces, including the police and the army, were later deployed to disperse the protesters and restore order. Several shops were sealed off, and a number of traders were arrested for allegedly inciting unrest.

The demonstration highlights rising tension between Kampala’s small-scale traders, landlords, and tax authorities, as the cost of doing business in the city continues to soar amid a sluggish economic recovery.