Tension Rises In Kitgum Municipality As Traders Protest Against New Lincese Fees.
February, 18, 2026. Okello Patrick|NGUNAGULU.COM
Kitgum,Northern Uganda|Tension escalated in Kitgum Municipality on Tuesday as more than 86 traders staged a peaceful protest against newly introduced trading license fees.
Earlier in the morning, traders from different sections of the municipality gathered in the central business area and voiced frustration over what they described as punitive assessments. Moreover, the demonstrators argued that municipal authorities imposed the revised tax regime without adequate consultation with key business stakeholders.
According to the protesting traders, the new rates came abruptly and now threaten to suffocate already struggling small-scale enterprises. In addition, they cited rising operational costs, stiff market competition, and declining consumer purchasing power as pressing challenges affecting daily operations. Consequently, many business owners insisted that the updated fees remain unrealistic and economically unsustainable under prevailing market conditions.
Meanwhile, several traders pointed to growing competition from hawkers and foreign-owned shops operating in areas such as Bar-dege. Similarly, they accused auction operators of distorting the market environment and weakening locally owned enterprises. As a result, the traders demanded that municipal leaders immediately suspend the new license fees and conduct fresh individual assessments.
Following the peaceful procession, municipal leaders temporarily halted enforcement of the revised trading license rates to create room for dialogue. Subsequently, officials announced a one-week review period and scheduled consultations with affected stakeholders.
In response, Kitgum Central Division Chairperson Godfrey Tolit clarified that authorities assess trading licenses individually rather than collectively. Furthermore, he emphasized that officials strictly follow existing legal provisions during the assessment process.
“If a business person feels dissatisfied with the amount assessed, the law provides for a formal appeal to the Town Clerk,” Tolit explained.
Thereafter, a separate team reviews the complaint, conducts a reassessment, and communicates the final decision directly to the applicant.
At the same time, Kitgum Municipal Town Clerk Joseph Bagonza Mande acknowledged that traders delivered notice of the protest on short notice. Nevertheless, he pledged to convene a joint meeting involving municipal officials and representatives of the traders to find common ground. Through dialogue, he noted, leaders and business owners can build trust and agree on fair implementation measures.
Ultimately, the protest highlights growing anxiety among small and medium enterprises regarding tax administration and enforcement approaches. As consultations begin, traders say they will monitor the review process closely and hold leaders accountable for promised reforms.
http://Tension Rises In Kitgum Municipality As Traders Protest Against New Lincese Fees.
