Traders Suspend Citywide Strike After President Pledges Talks; Campaign Season Heats Up in Kampala
Kampala, Uganda
Traders in Kampala have suspended a threatened strike after President Yoweri Museveni pledged government talks to address grievances that include flood compensation and market management. The pause comes as opposition parties step up campaigning across the city’s five divisions — setting the stage for intensified political activity in urban constituencies.
Strike suspended: Market associations and small traders had threatened strikes in protest over unpaid compensation for flood damage and other unresolved complaints; they agreed to stand down after a government envoy announced talks would begin within days. The move has temporarily eased pressure on food distribution and market operations in Kampala.
Political backdrop: Opposition parties — including the National Unity Platform (NUP) — are consolidating urban support with coordinated rallies across Kampala divisions. Observers say Kampala’s electorate remains pivotal and politically active, often favoring the opposition in recent cycles. That dynamic raises stakes for the government’s handling of urban grievances.
Risks & watch points: Human-rights groups and political analysts caution that continued arrests and heavy-handed policing of demonstrations could spark renewed unrest. The government says it will negotiate but also warned against provocative protests. Analysts say how authorities manage talks and upcoming rallies will shape political momentum into 2026.
Context & takeaway: The negotiated pause between traders and the government offers a short-term win for stability in Kampala’s markets; however, with opposition campaigns intensifying, the city remains a potential flashpoint if economic grievances are not resolved transparently.
