By Enock Ndyamuhakyi
Kabale, Uganda – April 30, 2025-Traders in Kabale Municipality have appealed to President Yoweri Museveni to prioritize the district for industrial development and economic support, citing mounting financial pressures and limited opportunities for local business growth.
The appeal was made during a consultative meeting organized by the Uganda National Traders Alliance (UNATA) at Kirigime Guest House in the southern division of Kabale Municipality.
The forum, part of a nationwide initiative to gather traders’ views for submission to the President, attracted dozens of local business owners and association leaders.
Michael Turyamureba Byamungu Rwastabutare, Chairperson of the Kabale Municipality Traders’ Association (KMTA), led the call for an industrial park in Kabale. He argued that such a development would not only enhance manufacturing capacity but also create employment and elevate the economic standing of Kabale within the Kigezi sub-region.
“Traders here have contributed significantly to the regional economy through retail and wholesale trade,” Byamungu said. “But if we are to grow profits and make a real impact, we must transition into manufacturing.
We need government support through startup capital, equipment, and skilled labor.”Byamungu’s comments reflected broader sentiments shared at the meeting, with participants urging the government to channel more resources into districts like Kabale that have strong entrepreneurial potential but limited industrial infrastructure.
Godfrey Katongole, President of UNATA, reiterated the importance of the ongoing national consultative meetings, saying they are designed to collect and consolidate traders’ concerns for presentation to the President.“These consultations are not just a formality. They’re a platform for traders to voice their challenges and propose real solutions,” Katongole said. “We are committed to documenting every issue raised and delivering it directly to the President.”
Katongole also encouraged all business people to join trader associations to strengthen collective advocacy and ensure their voices are heard at national level.
Kabale was initially among 25 districts selected under President Museveni’s 2021 economic plan for the development of industrial parks. However, the government has since shifted its focus to Kisoro District, leaving Kabale traders uncertain about the future of local industrialization efforts.
Traders are now calling on the President to revisit the original plans and reinstate Kabale’s position as a priority district for industrial investment, arguing that economic empowerment at the grassroots will lead to broader national development.
