Leaders of the Federation of Uganda Traders Associations (FUTA) have called on the government to grant traders greater representation and involvement in efforts to organize the business sector. The appeal follows a meeting convened to discuss a response from President Yoweri Museveni regarding concerns over trade order enforcement and compensation for traders affected by floods.

Leaders of the Federation of Uganda Traders Associations gathered at Maseco Hotel in Ndeeba for a press conference aimed at interpreting and discussing the contents of a letter received from President Yoweri Museveni.

The meeting followed a petition by traders seeking government intervention on trade order regulations and compensation for business losses caused by floods.

The traders say they have been waiting for compensation promised to those whose businesses and merchandise were destroyed by floods in different parts of the country.

They also requested government to give FUTA an opportunity to help educate and organize traders on trade regulations and business operations.

Before the President's letter was read, FUTA President John Kabanda expressed concern over what he described as inadequate support from some government offices in addressing traders' concerns.

He, however, thanked President Museveni for responding to their petition and considering the issues affecting the business community.

The President's letter reportedly addressed both the issue of compensation for flood-affected traders and the implementation of trade order measures across the country.

According to the communication, President Museveni urged citizens not to take actions that could reverse the country's progress and emphasized the need for traders operating on streets to relocate to designated business premises and markets.

Following the reading of the letter, traders' leaders shared their interpretations and reactions to the President's guidance.

Several leaders also raised concerns about what they described as limited representation of traders in government structures and decision-making processes.

They appealed to the president to consider including traders' representatives in relevant government engagements.

On the issue of compensation, traders requested that funds intended for flood victims be channelled through FUTA to ensure transparency and direct support to affected business owners.

Responding to the concerns, FUTA President John Kabanda assured members that the association remains committed to following up on compensation and advocating for traders' interests.

Kabanda also addressed concerns regarding fire outbreaks and other business-related losses, urging affected traders who have not yet submitted their details to do so immediately.

On trade order enforcement, he called for cooperation between government leaders and traders, saying dialogue remains the best approach to addressing the challenges facing the sector.

He further directed traders' leaders across the country to compile data within two days on those affected by trade order measures and related challenges to facilitate follow-up and possible intervention.