Kikuubo Traders concerned about declining sales amidst heightened security checks

Muwonge urges traders to cooperate with security personnel in their efforts to prevent any incidents of terrorism.

Kikuubo Traders concerned about declining sales amidst heightened security checks
Read: 2941 times \

Traders in Kikuubo have voiced concerns over declining sales due to heightened security checks prompted by the UK terror alert. This comes after security agencies initiated comprehensive operations in downtown Kampala, particularly in the Kikuubo business area, aimed at preventing potential terrorist incidents through thorough checks on individuals entering the vicinity.

However, business owners in Kikuubo claim to have noticed a decline in customer numbers as people hesitate to visit the area due to the inconvenience caused by police checkups. All entrances to Kikuubo have been blocked, necessitating traders and customers to use designated main entrances equipped with metal detector machines for screening.

Both the police and the army are inspecting vehicles delivering goods to Kikuubo, thoroughly examining their contents. Sniffer dogs have also been deployed to inspect larger luggage items entering the area. Bashir Muwonge, the chairman of Kikuubo, stresses that the security operation aims to safeguard the business community from potential attacks.

Muwonge urges traders to cooperate with security personnel in their efforts to prevent any incidents of terrorism.

However, Umar Kalungi, a trader specializing in scholastic materials, laments the impact of the police operation on customer visits to Kikuubo. He claims that some customers have chosen alternative locations in Kampala to avoid the inconvenience of security checks. He further highlights a significant decrease in his daily sales since the initiation of police checks.

Traders are also concerned that security checks appear to be concentrated solely on Kikuubo, while other crowded places in Kampala, such as St. Balikudembe Market and Nakasero Market, may also be potential targets for terrorists. 

However, Patrick Onyango, the Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, acknowledges that a security meeting was held with arcade owners, advising them to implement security measures and conduct checks on individuals entering their premises. 

He also suggests utilizing security companies, which arcade owners already employ to guard their buildings, to avoid additional expenses.

Onyango assures that areas such as taxi parks and markets, requiring additional police presence, will soon receive the necessary attention and resources.

Download the Howwe Music App
Howwe App

Kagwirawo