Hoima street vendors under Hoima East United Street Vendors Association have raised concerns over the increase in taxation levied on them by the city authorities, describing it as “illegality.”
Speaking to tndNews, Uganda on behalf of the association, Stephen Bazaale, alleged that the city uses illegitimate receipts to tax vendors.
“Receipts issued to vendors are not legitimate and this causes questions of illegality of the collections,” Bazaale said.
According to him, besides heavy taxation, the city’s continued taxation on low income earners is also against the presidential directives on stopping taxing individuals operating businesses with capital of less than shs100,000.
“Hoima City vendors are still being charged despite this directive. It has left many feeling unfairly treated,” he expressed.
However, Bazaale was unable to clearly reveal the current tax difference from that of 2025/2026.
Vendors say taxing them is illegal, noting that taxes levied on them have left many struggling to sustain their businesses.
Meanwhile, vendors who continue to operate within the streets of central business areas of the Eastern part were to be relocated to the former abattoir site.
Bazaale alleged that the relocation of traders from Kiryateete street to the former abattoir site has been marred by corruption.
“Officials from Hoima East Division are using a list of beneficiaries that differs from the one I submitted on behalf of the association, and such a move remains unfair,” he stated.
“The authorities should give priority to indigenous traders who have been operating on the streets for the past 17 years,” Bazaale appealed.
Hoima City Council mayor Edward Isingoma said the former abattoir site will now operate as Kiryateete market, adding that priority in the allocation of stalls will be given to indigenous traders.
Isingoma, however, condemned the alleged collection of illegal taxes from street vendors, warning that anyone found involved in the practice will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Hoima City finance secretary Godfrey K Azoora, said that within the next three to four days, all registered street vendors currently operating in Kiryateete will be relocated to the new Kiryateete.
More than 700 vendors are expected to be relocated, he said, adding that the move is intended to provide them with a cleaner, safer, and more organised trading environment.
Iddi Magezi, who serves as the Hoima East Division councillor, said traders will not be required to pay any money to Hoima City authorities during the relocation to the new Kiryateete market.
Magezi urged vendors to report anyone demanding payment for the relocation process, emphasising that the exercise is being conducted free of charge.
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