After years of speaking up for traders across the country, Issa Sekitto is now stepping into a new role—this time, as the Acting Chairperson of the Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA).
His appointment was confirmed on Tuesday during a special executive board meeting at the association’s offices in Kampala. For many in the business community, this announcement didn’t come as a surprise. Sekitto has long been the voice of KACITA, having served as its spokesperson for over 15 years—a trusted figure who has consistently stood up for traders on issues like unfair taxes, rising rent, and counterfeit goods.
Now, as he takes on the top leadership role, Sekitto brings not just experience, but also a deep understanding of the struggles and hopes of Uganda’s traders.
“Hajji Sekitto brings with him a deep understanding of traders’ needs and the institutional memory of KACITA’s evolution,” said Baguma Timothy, the association’s Acting Secretary Genera
Sekitto replaces Dr. Thadeus Musoke Nagenda, who had been serving as Acting Chairperson since 2021. Dr. Musoke is stepping down to pursue a political career—a move the association supports, while also reaffirming its own non-political mission.
“This change allows Dr. Musoke to fully focus on his political path, while KACITA remains committed to serving the business community,” the Executive Board noted in a press release.
Sekitto has been entrusted with a one-year transitional mandate, during which KACITA plans to carry out long-overdue reforms—revising its constitution, cleaning up membership records, and sharpening its policy agenda.
Rather than rushing into elections, the board decided to prioritize stability and continuity, choosing someone already well-known and trusted within the association.
Sekitto steps in at a time when traders are facing real challenges: the lingering effects of the pandemic, unstable exchange rates, higher costs of doing business, and increasing pressure from tax authorities.
There’s also frustration among traders over licensing bottlenecks and the lack of protection against fake and substandard goods in the market.
With his long track record of advocacy, Sekitto is expected to hit the ground running—meeting with stakeholders, listening to traders, and pushing for practical solutions.
“This isn’t just a leadership change. It’s an opportunity to rebuild trust and give KACITA a stronger voice in national conversations,” said Baguma.
