Businesses in Kampala Metropolitan Area Close over Protests

Business is at a standstill in the central business areas following the second day of protests.

The most affected areas are Nakasero, Kisekka and St Balikuddembe markets, Usafi, New taxi Parks, Namayiba Bus Terminal and Mengo Kisenyi. More Arcades have also been closed and people ordered to go back home as the army and police patrol the roads.

The former Quallicell Bus terminal, Lutunga Arcade, Nabukeera plaza, Arrow Complex, Shamba arcade, Ravens arcade, Zainabu Aziza Emporium, Hams Towers, Arua park plaza and King Fahad Plaza have all been closed.

According to Patrick Onyango, Kampala metropolitan police spokesperson the riots begun from the outskirts of Kampala in Mulago, Kalerwe, Wandegeya and Bwaise but by 11:30 am the rioters started attacking people on the streets and looting their property.

Brian Semakula, a shoe trader in Kisenyi Mengo along Namirembe road says the riots begun after people were stopped from accessing their shops in the morning to work.  He says as people opened up shops, some begun burning tears in some junctions of the roads leading to police and military security personnel to disperse them. 

“The police are not fair instead of leaving us to work they are dispersing us with teargas and live bullets. Several peoples have been beaten by security operatives who were found opening or with open shops. What is that meant to mean? Does the government want people to steal or work?” Semakula said.

 

 Diana Nankya, a shop attendant at Nabukeera Plaza is in fear of getting back home from town after the arcade was closed. She stays in Kawempe – Maganjo but heard that riots have also engulfed the areas where she has to pass.

“I am in fear of getting back home after rioters were reported in Kawempe, yet it is expensive and unsafe to use Boda Boda to go home. The Boda Boda men are targeted by security and it is risky.” Nankya said.

Patrick Onyango, Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, says that several protestors have been arrested on allegations of theft, malicious damage of property and inciting violence.

The protests were sparked off following the arrest of Robert Sentamu Kyagulanyi, the National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate in Luuka district.