Heavy Deployment Scares Away Ntinda Business Community

Several businesses in Ntinda have remained under lock and key because of heightened security due to the ongoing presidential nominations. Whereas Ntinda isn’t part of areas that were placed under day time curfew by security like Kyambogo and Kireka, several business operators have stayed away.

According to the traffic road map that was released on Friday, the presidential candidates are required to use Kabaka’s road exiting Kyambogo to Ntinda and Northern bypass, which explains the heightened security deployment in Ntinda and Minister’s village.  

Most of the feeder roads connecting to Ntinda have been blocked by heavily armed police, local defense unit and military police. The few people who have opened shops in Ntinda told URN that the heavy deployment of armed security personnel is the main reason why many of their colleagues have opted to stay away.  

Hassan Mugooya, who operates a restaurant in Ntinda town, says most of the people including his friends in the Hotel business decided to stay away for fear of the chaos that may erupt after the nominations. Daniel Muwanguzi, a mobile money operator Along Ntinda-Kisasi says the closure of the roads to Ntinda-Nakawa and Kyambogo areas, which bring many people, is to blame for the closure of the businesses.

He notes that most business people in Ntinda town reside in Kyambogo and its surrounding areas, which have been placed under daytime curfew. Some Boda boda operators told URN that they were asked by security to vacate their stages early morning for fear that they could be part of the groups threatening to hold illegal processions.  

Muhammad Kawasi, a taxi driver on Ntinda Taxi stage, says security asked them not to park on the stage for more than 5 minutes and avoid being in groups, which forced most of them to return home. “We are not allowed to stand or park on our usual stages when you get someone you go away quickly they keep warning us not to be in groups the situation is not easy for us,” said Kawasi.

John Kalina, the Chairperson Ntinda Boda-boda stage chairman, says business is paralysed due to the numerous roadblocks and closed roads that have compelled most of their passengers to stay home.