UNATA Rallies Traders in Kabale, Urges Unity in the Fight for Business Reforms
The Uganda National Traders Alliance (UNATA) ramped up its national campaign today with a high energy press briefing in Kabale District, setting the stage for a major traders' meeting expected to unite the Kigezi sub region's business community.
Addressing a packed audience of local business leaders and stakeholders, UNATA President Mr. Godfrey Katongole called on traders across the country to join the alliance’s growing movement aimed at confronting the everyday challenges stifling Uganda’s trading sector.
"Every trader, from the smallest vendor to the largest company owner, has a place in UNATA," Katongole declared. "We are building a national voice that cannot be ignored a voice rooted in local associations but powerful enough to bring real change."
Katongole also outlined UNATA’s membership process, encouraging traders to first connect with their local associations before joining the national alliance. However, he noted that large business owners could register directly with UNATA to fast track their involvement.
The briefing highlighted a key message that traders across Uganda face strikingly similar challenges, from Kampala’s bustling markets to Kabale’s busy streets. Katongole mentioned that the nationwide listening tour is vital to gathering these concerns and formulating a united plan to pressure the government for policy reforms.
"Our problems are not unique to Kampala or Kabale they are national issues," Katongole emphasized. "Through these engagements, we will build a stronger, more resilient trading community."
Adding weight to the campaign was Hon. Byamungu Turyamureba Rwasabutare, Chairman of the Kabale Municipality Traders Association, UNATA’s regional coordinator for Kigezi, and a parliamentary aspirant for Kabale Municipality in 2026. He pledged to champion traders’ issues on both regional and national platforms.
"As leaders, we must listen first," Hon. Turyamureba said. "Tomorrow’s meeting is not just a formality it’s an opportunity for every trader to voice their struggles. Our job is to collect these voices and ensure they echo all the way to the corridors of government."
He underscored that real change will require both a strong turnout from traders and serious responsiveness from the government.
Hundreds of traders, association heads, and business stakeholders are expected to attend the meeting tomorrow, where they will deliberate on persistent industry challenges and propose collective solutions.
Today’s engagement marks another critical milestone in UNATA’s ambitious mission to transform the business environment for Uganda’s traders not just by demanding change, but by organizing for it.
