Kitgum Business Leaders Protest Omission from Organizing Trade Show

17 November 2025, 3:46 pm

By Otim Moses

Business leaders in Kitgum District have protested their omission from organizing this year’s trade show exhibition, saying their organization has no role in the ongoing preparations.

The Kitgum Business Promoters and Cooperative Society Limited, which has organized past trade shows since 2011, clarified that it is not involved in this year’s event.

Speaking at a press conference in Kitgum Municipality, Chairperson Margaret Ociti said she has received numerous inquiries from traders about registration, prompting her to clarify that her group is not organizing any trade fair this year.

She reminded the public that the trade show was banned in 2023 following a district council resolution over reports of indecent behavior. Ociti added that the ban left her organization in UGX 14 million debt, forcing them to sell part of their property to recover funds.

Meanwhile, Komakech Denis, the group’s General Secretary, linked the ban to political disagreements, arguing that past mistakes should have been handled through dialogue.

Lilian Crady Akello, a tailor, urged authorities to allow them to resume organizing the exhibitions to promote local businesses and innovation.

The group has petitioned the Resident District Commissioner’s office seeking clarification on whether the ban has been lifted and who authorized the current organizers.