A few days after officially commissioned as president of the Uganda National Trader’s Alliance (UNATA), Godfrey Kantongole, the Kampala Arcaders Traders Association (KATA) chairman, has guaranteed to shake and streamline democracies within the traders circle of Uganda.

Katongole, has been elected, together with his cabinet countrywide, this week in kampala, in presence of the Minister , Hon. Matia Kasaija of Finance Planning and Economic Development, while he Officially presided at the same national traders workshop from all the 10 cities of Uganda and municipalities.

The workshop was organized under the theme, “ Addressing Key Challenges and Crafting Solutions for Traders.”

In his remarks, Kantongole, told this media website that the government was lacking the trusted body of traders to cooperate with, and therefore God has answered them.

Another focus area he detailed was about eradicating Fraud that affects traders, especially from revenue issues, as one of his main agendas during the term of office.

“It is time for traders to also join the table of policy making regarding traders’ concerns with the government. There should be no more policies passed by the government or parliament without traders’ consent or consultations,” he said.

The issue of strengthening traders’ leadership in different areas is a key, in addition to educating traders on business management, the importance of unity and mind set change, which have been identified as some of the major causes of business failure in Uganda, Katongole included.

The elected committee of traders in Uganda were based on regions and includes, Mr. Mwijuka Simon Ssezi of Mbarara as the General Secretary, Ms. Ainomugisha Sharon of Mbarara as Assistant publicity.

Mr. Kasumba Vincent of Masaka as the Vice chairman central region, Mr. Atooko Musa of Fort Portal as the Coordinator Western Uganda, Mr. Esudu Francis of Soroti as publicity officer, Ms. Ayo Jenifer from Gulu as Vice-chair person Gulu, Mr. Babalanda Patrick of Busoga Region as Vice-chairman Busoga region.

Mr Muyanda Emmanuel Jinja as Assistant secretary, Ms. Kenyana Rose of Kasese Vice-chairperson Western Uganda, Mr. Oundo Godfrey Ongwabe as Cross Boarder Coordinator eastern region, Ms. Abdul Hadijja of Mubende as Treasurer.

Kantongole indicated , other government entities that were represented during the meeting included the URA, UNBS, and the acting commissioner from the Ministry of Trade, Industrial and Cooperatives, Mr. Zackey Kalega representing the Minister, Gen. Wilson Mbadi.

Minister Kasaija, emphasized that Uganda relies on tax revenues to meet essential national needs and address issues impacting traders and other citizens, therefore, creating a fair and equitable tax system is a priority, and the government will continue to refine tax policies to ensure fairness while making every sector contribute its share toward development.

He also commended KATA for its commitment to promoting solidarity among traders, imploring them to collaborate with other associations such as the Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA) to amplify their collective voice.