Traders want regulation of foreigners

Lira.

Traders in northern and eastern Uganda have asked government to regulate the participation of foreigners in the economy.

While attending a dialogue on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises policy in Lira Town on Tuesday, the traders singled out foreigners, especially of Asian origin in business, whom they accused of unfair competition.

Mohammed Ogola, a businessman in Lira Municipality, said the foreigners are repatriating the money back to their countries leading to inflation, high dollar rates which are affecting the local people.

Recently, President Museveni said foreigners should not operate at “terminal level” and instructed the relevant government ministry to ensure that they are re-directed to manufacturing and construction.

Addressing the social economic transformation obstacles during the cabinet retreat in Kyankwanzi in July this year, the President applauded Ugandans for welcoming more than 600,000 African refugees and singled out Chinese and Indians in retail business, whom he accused of unfairly competing with local traders and other African immigrants.

“It is not correct for the regulators not to take action against the Chinese and Indian retailers who unfairly compete against our retailers,” President Museveni said.
Ms Filder Abwono Obote, a wholesale trader from Kitgum District, accused Indian traders of dominating retail business and offering goods at lower prices.

“If I sell a bag of cement at Shs35, 000, they (Indians) can opt to sell it at Shs34,500,” she explained.

Mr Francis Ogema Awany, the spokesperson for Uganda Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Lira branch, said local traders are finding it hard to compete with Indians because they because their counterparts operate their business just like a family.
He argued them to work together.

Way forward

Traders have been advised to organise themselves and cooperate if they are to survive in business. The assistant commissioner in-charge of small and medium enterprises, Mr Stephen Emuria, said the ministry of Trade and Industry is recommending “petty traders” to get licenses.