Uganda hosts the 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit and the G77+China (Third South) Summit, commenced Monday, 15th January 2024.
FDC has expressed dissatisfaction over the way authorities have disrupted the small scale businesses operating along the routes where delegates who are coming into the country to attend the NAM and G77 Summits pass.
While these international events bring attention to our nation, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) expresses significant concerns regarding the potential adverse effects on the common person and local businesses.
It should be noted that the country has been fully preparing to host guests from different countries around the world to be part of the Summits and among the preparations, small scale businesses along Entebbe road that don’t fit the standards set by authorities have been disrupted. Some have been closed and others have been instructed to work on the quality of their businesses.
As we observe the preparations, we notice that small businesses along Entebbe road are being forcibly closed by the regime, purportedly to present a more favorable image to the summit visitors.
Addressing the press during the FDC weekly briefing, the party spokesperson John Kikonyogo noted that since many small scale businesses have been closed, people who have been operating them have already started facing the livelihood challenges as they work for daily feeding.
“This, unfortunately, has left many of our citizens, already grappling with small enterprises like mobile money and food kiosks, without any alternative means of livelihood. Additionally, citizens are being forced to invest in house painting, and renovation, while those unable to afford these changes are facing the closure of their businesses and living houses.
“This unfortunate act is happening at a time when many Ugandans struggle to secure a daily meal, and leading to additional costs which only worsen their challenges and diminish their livelihood.
“Kikonyogo added that people have been forced to invest in their businesses through painting their buildings to create a good image before the delegates as those who cannot afford can no longer operate their businesses until the summits end.
The FDC notes with concern that the primary beneficiaries of these summits seem to be individuals of substantial wealth, exemplified by the allocation of 85 billion Ugandan Shillings to Sudir Ruparelia for the construction of a Conventional Center. We find it disconcerting that the funds used for hosting these conferences have been borrowed, placing the financial burden squarely on the shoulders of taxpayers.
On a more unrealistic content, new vehicles are procured very expensively using borrowed money. Remember as we are speaking, our external debt is over 55 trillion.
This means if Uganda must clear this debt, the country must not finance anything for two years to get Uganda free from debt. But this is a fallacy, and the country will continue to struggle due to such reckless decisions. As FDC, Instead of shutting down local businesses, we believe that the government encouraged Ugandans to stock items that can be sold to summit visitors.
This approach would not only support local entrepreneurs but also contribute to a more inclusive and mutually beneficial engagement with the international community.
On a sad note, transport fairs have gone so high, and road confusion arising from the impromptu warning and road guidelines released by the Internal Organizing Committee of the summits In conclusion, the FDC urges a shift in focus towards inclusive benefits for the broader population, emphasizing collaboration with local businesses rather than imposing additional burdens on the already struggling citizens of Uganda.
Previously, KCCA Executive Director Dorothy Kisakka emphasised that KCCA inspection team are already on the ground to make sure that business owners paint, clean and create a beautiful image.
