Four Kampala traders were jailed on Thursday after a court refused bail requests connected to tax protest charges. Sunday John Baptist, Nsamba Kenny, Tenwya Ratif and Ssenabulya Jackson denied causing public disturbances before Magistrate Winnie Nankya. Prosecutors alleged the men blocked business access on William Street and Ben Kiwanuka Street on Monday. Their detention at Luzira Prison continues until Friday due to technical issues uploading surety documents to the court's digital filing system.
Traders closed shops and demonstrated against value-added tax rules, electronic receipt mandates, fabric import duties, and unrefunded withholding taxes. Some participants covered their mouths with tape during protests, holding signs demanding lower levies. Uganda National Traders Alliance leader Godfrey Katongole stated the government ignored repeated negotiation requests. Police increased patrols citywide while officials discussed fiscal policies with merchant representatives. The demonstrations temporarily paralyzed central Kampala's commerce sections earlier this week.
Traders closed shops and demonstrated against value-added tax rules, electronic receipt mandates, fabric import duties, and unrefunded withholding taxes. Some participants covered their mouths with tape during protests, holding signs demanding lower levies. Uganda National Traders Alliance leader Godfrey Katongole stated the government ignored repeated negotiation requests. Police increased patrols citywide while officials discussed fiscal policies with merchant representatives. The demonstrations temporarily paralyzed central Kampala's commerce sections earlier this week.
