Gunfire and tear gas filled the air in parts of Kampala City on Wednesday as police and army officers moved in to break up a violent protest staged by traders opposing a new government tax policy.
The chaos began after hundreds of traders, who had kept their shops closed for several days, stormed the streets to express anger over a proposed tax on goods sold by weight. The policy would require traders to pay taxes based on the number of kilograms of goods sold — a move they say is unfair and will cripple small businesses.
Trouble started when a few traders attempted to reopen their shops, prompting clashes with fellow business owners who accused them of betraying the strike. Tempers flared as protesters shouted at one another and blocked roads, drawing the attention of security forces.
“We can’t pay this kind of tax; it’s too heavy for us,” one trader shouted, while another warned those reopening shops not to “betray their unity.”
The situation quickly escalated into chaos. Angry demonstrators confronted shop owners who resumed business, forcing police and soldiers to rush to the scene to restore order. Officers fired tear gas and bullets in the air to disperse the crowd, sending panicked traders running through the streets.
By midday, several parts of downtown Kampala were under tight security as patrol vehicles roamed key business areas. Police later confirmed that 13 people had been arrested in connection with the violent demonstrations.
“We have detained 13 suspects who are being held at different police stations as investigations continue,” a police spokesperson said.
By the time this report was filed, calm had slowly returned to the city, although heavy police and army patrols remained in place to prevent further unrest.
The traders, however, vowed not to back down until the government withdraws the controversial tax policy, describing it as a direct attack on their already struggling businesses.