Locks on shops, quiet streets speak KACITA message in Kampala

Away from the usual hassle and bustle that happens downtown, today there was relative calm as moat shops were closed bringing business to move at a slow pace.

Along streets like Luwum, Arua Park, Nakivubo Mews and others around the CBD, the traders who didn't attend a meeting with President Museveni at Kololo Airstrip were seated on the verandas.

Mr Museveni was meeting the angry traders under their umbrella, KACITA, who have decided to resume protests after accusing government of not meeting its end of the stick.

The activity in Kololo was overshadowed by the quiet dowtown. The usually thriving Kikuubo Lane with its din of activities was mostly quiet as very few traders turned up.

Some of the traders like Joram Kalungi and Juma Zziwa were skeptical of the results from Kololo.

"Whether we like it or not, EFRIS is staying. It [the meeting] is a wastage of time," Zziwa saod.

"This is a campaign strategy and once it's done then what?" adds Karungi.

On the other hand, some traders decided to open their shops to the few buyers who were going through town.

Erias Ssaazi a trader, said it is important for him to work "as that's the only way for my family".

Most of the traders spent the day at Kololo in discussion with President Museveni in order to iron out issues concerning EFRIS.

The Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing System is an e-invoicing system structured to limit a taxpayer from issuing an invoice without affecting inventory, where goods are involved.

Introduced by the taxman, the system got traders in a knot, initially because of misconceptions that it was a new tax.

Traders last month locked up countrywide in protest over the EFRIS until they met with the President at State House Entebbe.