Mbabazi Begs Traders Not To Strike

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SOURCE: THE RED PEPPER, 11 JANUARY 2011

Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi

Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi on Monday appealed to Kampala traders under their umbrella association – KACITA, to stay their strike until government finds a lasting solution to the high inflation currently affecting the country.

Mbabazi, who led a powerful delegation of government officials, said a strike would hurt both the traders, government and the general population.

He said that the challenges the traders face are not only for Kampala but the entire country.

Mbabazi’s delegation consisted of the Trade and Industry minister Amelia Kyambadde, the Minister of State for Finance Jachan Omach, Bank of Uganda governor, Tumusiime Mutebile and his deputy Louis Kasekende, and URA Commissioner General, Allen Kagina.

The Prime Minister said he had been sent by the President to deliver the appeal adding that the president was aware and sympathetic of the traders’ plight. He promised to ensure all measures aimed at rejuvenating the economy are followed by government. But he said these measures cannot be implemented when there is no common ground for dialogue.

Mbabazi named some of the common positions as strengthening of consumer protection through the introduction of a bill to parliament, sensitising borrowers in the country by Bank of Uganda, reviewing some of the languages and terms used in loan contracts so that the ordinary person can understand them fully before getting committed to taking them and originating a law to regulate informal money lenders whom he said are exploiting the population.

He said it was also a positive move for KACITA and the Private Sector to engage government in dialogue aimed at finding lasting solutions to the current economic problems.