UNATA Launches Nationwide Survey to Address Traders’ Concerns
Under the leadership of Mr. Godfrey Katongole, the Uganda National Traders Alliance (UNATA) has embarked on a nationwide tour aimed at bridging the gap between traders and the government.
Beginning on March 18, 2025, UNATA launched a countrywide engagement campaign, visiting key cities including Kasese, Masaka, Fort Portal, Gulu, Mubende, Soroti, and Mbale. The team also pushed ahead to continue to Kabale on March 29 and Mbarara on April 1, with a scheduled visit to Jinja City on May 13th. The initiative seeks to gather firsthand information on the challenges facing traders across Uganda.
Mr. Katongole emphasized the importance of the initiative, noting that its purpose is to provide a platform for traders to voice their grievances and aspirations. "We are documenting traders' concerns so we can present a comprehensive report to His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. This report will guide policy decisions to improve the business environment for traders," he said.
One of the key goals of the campaign is to dispel the perception that traders are aligned with the opposition. “There’s a growing belief within government that traders fund or support the opposition. Whether these claims hold water or not, what’s clear is that traders are not at war with the government,” Katongole noted. “All traders want is for the government to understand and address their challenges.”
Among the critical issues raised by traders are the high tax burden, lack of support for local manufacturing, and the need to modernize production facilities to meet international standards. In response, UNATA plans to conduct in-depth research into top tier manufacturing equipment and explore opportunities to send traders abroad for education and exposure to best practices.
This initiative follows the formation of a coordinated traders' body under UNATA, which was officially launched last year at the Grand Imperial Hotel. Since then, regional coordinators have played a pivotal role in mobilizing traders and implementing UNATA’s objectives.
"Traders need a united voice to advocate for policies that enhance their businesses and promote local investment," Katongole added.
The findings from this national tour will be consolidated into a final report and presented to the President, with the aim of influencing decisions that will shape a more inclusive and supportive trading environment in Uganda.
