Hundreds protest in Uganda capital against ‘unfair’ Chinese traders
Many Ugandans accuse Chinese traders of moving over as serious investors but then setting up businesses in small trade
Years of growing animosity at Chinese traders turned into a protest by hundreds in Uganda’s capital yesterday against what local businesses called unfair competition, while the mayor warned against the tensions turning into xenophobic attacks.
Hundreds of Ugandan traders protested in Kampala, some carrying placards urging Chinese traders to leave. Many Ugandans accuse Chinese traders of moving to this East African country as serious investors but then setting up businesses in small trade. Many Ugandan merchants want the Chinese restricted to large business ventures.
Kampala Mayor Erias Lukwago, who supported the protest, said the government must protect local traders to prevent the protests from escalating into attacks against foreign traders.
“We are likely to have xenophobia here. That’s where we are heading, unless they come up with measures to protect indigenous traders,” the mayor said.
