Business community told to maintain neutrality in politics

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The president of the Uganda National Traders’ Alliance (UNATA), Godfrey Katongole, has urged the business community to steer clear of political involvement ahead of the upcoming general elections.

He noted that politics has caused divisions among traders and stressed the importance of avoiding political agendas that prioritise personal interests over collective well-being. Instead, he encouraged traders to focus on growing their businesses and contributing to the community.

Katongole called on traders to remain neutral and not allow themselves to be used as political pawns. He urged them to unite and work towards creating a prosperous business environment for all in Gulu.

Additionally, he warned against taking loans to start businesses, advising instead that loans should be used to supplement existing enterprises. He also encouraged the formation of a strong savings and credit cooperative organisation (SACCOS) to enable government financial support at lower interest rates.

Katongole made these remarks while engaging with the business community in Gulu city during a consultative meeting on Wednesday, March 26, at Global Friendship Hostel. The meeting focused on identifying the challenges traders face.

He pledged to compile their concerns and present them to finance minister Matia Kasaija—who is also UNATA’s patron—as well as to President Musevveni, in order to secure support for traders’ SACCOS.

Jennifer Ayo, UNATA’s vice president, urged traders from various business groups to subscribe to the organisation so they could benefit from government programmes.

She emphasised that unity among traders would strengthen their voice and increase the likelihood of government addressing their concerns, including heavy taxation and limited capital.

Ayo cited the collapse of more than 15 businesses due to excessive taxation by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and Gulu City Council. She also encouraged traders to train their children in business management to ensure continuity in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Stella Ogwal, the northern uganda branch manager for the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), advised business owners to register their enterprises under family names and involve their children in operations. This, she said, would ensure seamless continuity in the event of the owner’s death.

She highlighted an ongoing mass business registration drive in Northern Uganda, which has already covered Dokolo and Lamwo districts, with plans to expand further. She urged traders to register their businesses—either physically or online—to improve their access to financial institution loans.

Ogwal also stressed the importance of business rescue mechanisms to prevent collapses, adding that URSB has initiated training programmes to help traders manage loans and repayments effectively.

David Acaye, chairman of the Gulu Business Development Association (GBDA), said traders need tax education, as they struggle with multiple taxes and high-interest loans despite having limited capital.

He called for access to low-interest loans from the Uganda Development Bank to help traders expand their businesses, noting that financial institutions currently offer loans at unsustainable interest rates.

Rev. Mathew Ocaka urged traders in Gulu to emulate their counterparts in Kampala, who demonstrate unity by sharing business spaces and directing customers to competitors when necessary.

He also encouraged them to improve customer service, noting that many traders neglect this vital aspect of business success.

Wilbert Opiyo, assistant city commissioner for Laroo-Pece Division in Gulu city, advised traders to embrace digital skills and conduct business online. He also called for more customer service training to enhance client retention, pointing out that many traders have poor customer care practices.

Opiyo urged traders to maintain business harmony in the region, using stability as a foundation for growth. He also warned against reckless spending, emphasising the need for financial discipline.