Overview:
Uganda has suspended the enforcement of a new trade order following concerns from manufacturers and small businesses. Minister David Bahati says the halt allows for further stakeholder consultations.
KAMPALA, Uganda — The government has suspended the enforcement of a controversial new trade order following widespread pushback from manufacturers and small business owners, State Minister for Trade David Bahati announced Friday.
Speaking during a plenary session of Parliament, Bahati said the suspension takes effect immediately. The halt is intended to allow for broader consultations with the business community, including traders and manufacturers who have raised concerns over how the directive would be implemented.
The trade order was designed to reorganize urban trading systems, promote local production, and enforce stricter standards on imports and product quality. However, members of the private sector argued the policy was rolled out without sufficient input, warning it could spike operating costs and disrupt national supply chains.
We have listened to the concerns raised by various stakeholders, Bahati told lawmakers. The government has therefore decided to halt the enforcement of the trade order to provide room for further consultations and ensure that all views are adequately considered.
The move comes after protests in urban centers like Kabale, where traders recently sought a grace period to adjust to the abrupt changes. Business associations and civil society groups have called for more transparency and clearer guidelines on compliance.
While the suspension provides immediate relief to the trading community, the future of the policy remains uncertain. Government officials stated that upcoming engagements will involve both formal and informal sector representatives to ensure the final framework supports economic stability and business continuity.
Further communication is expected once the consultation process is finished and potential revisions to the order are finalized.