The controversial leader of the New Generation Traders Association (NGTA), John Kabanda, has come under scrutiny for his alleged role in orchestrating the recent strike by city traders against the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA). Sources claim that Kabanda utilized the strike as an opportunity to collect funds for his upcoming wedding, taking advantage of unsuspecting traders who were misinformed about the purpose of the strike.
The strike was primarily organized to protest the implementation of URA’s Electronic Fiscal Receipt and Invoicing Solution (EFRIS), a system designed to streamline transaction records for traders. However, Kabanda allegedly propagated the false narrative that EFRIS was an unlawful tax imposed on traders, convincing some non-members of the Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA) to participate in the strike.
According to insider information, Kabanda received an upfront payment of UGX. 50M from FDC over the weekend, with an additional UGX 50M provided by the leadership of the National Unity Platform (NUP) party to fuel conflicts between traders and URA officials. Close sources to the matter also revealed that he had earlier collected huge sums of money (close to UGX 30 M) from the traders whom he had promised to help in the fight against the URA officials.
Kabanda has been creating and using fraudulent and counterfeit traders’ associations, falsely promising to address their issues by blackmailing the URA (Uganda Revenue Authority) and gaining support from opposition parties such as the NUP (National Unity Platform) and FDC (Forum for Democratic Change).
Through these deceptive associations, Kabanda cleverly collected money from the traders by convincing them to contribute to a fake cause. He then used these funds to plan his mega wedding, leaving the traders in a difficult situation.
Furthermore, Kabanda has employed these illegal associations to undermine legitimate traders’ organizations like KACITA (Kampala City Traders Association). He has labeled them as hypocrites, inciting conflict between the traders and the KACITA leadership.
Unbeknownst to Kabanda, his initial attempt to blackmail URA officials into providing him with money had failed. In an effort to address concerns, URA engaged KACITA in a meeting to find an amicable solution. Consequently, KACITA decided to call off the strike. However, driven by fears relating to the accountability of the funds he had already received from NUP, Kabanda apparently disregarded KACITA’s decision and continued to intimidate and threaten other traders to participate in violent protests.
One anonymous source highlighted Kabanda’s questionable past and his reputation as a known con artist. This publication previously shed light on his illicit activities, detailing his involvement in fraudulent schemes, in an article published on April 5, 2024. (Click to view the previous article)
The authorities are urged to conduct a thorough investigation into these matters and hold accountable those responsible for deceiving traders and misappropriating funds. It is essential that justice prevails, ensuring the fair and transparent operation of trade associations and protecting the interests of legitimate businesses.
Meanwhile, the city traders affected by Kabanda’s actions are left to ponder the consequences of their participation in the strike, while the public eagerly awaits further developments in this unfolding saga. Traders who were misled by his false claims are now left feeling betrayed and taken advantage of.
