Traders Warn of Festive Season Losses as URA Cargo Delays Mount

What the report says

Kampala traders are warning that slow cargo clearance at Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) entry points is disrupting restocking and threatening sales ahead of the Christmas period. The concerns were raised through the Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA), which says the delays are tying up working capital, creating supply bottlenecks and leaving businesses short of stock during one of the busiest trading seasons of the year.

According to the Nile Post report, KACITA chairman Issa Ssekito said traders are already under financial strain and fear further losses if the situation continues. He said the issue could affect liquidity, increase storage and transport costs, and make it harder for importers to meet loan obligations. The article also notes that some traders are worried the disruption could feed into higher consumer prices if businesses pass on extra costs.

The dispute is linked to URA’s enforcement of the House Bill of Lading system, which the authority says is meant to improve tracking and reduce illicit trade. Some importers, including Ssekalo Baker, say the rollout has instead created confusion and delays. KACITA has threatened protests if the bottlenecks are not addressed. The report also says traders claim the problem has affected regional cargo movement, adding uncertainty for businesses that depend on cross-border transport to replenish stock.