LIRA PRODUCE DEALERS REJECT NEW LEVY

PRODUCE ENTRY CHARGE A fresh dispute has erupted between produce dealers in Lira City and city authorities over a new revenue demand targeting trucks entering the city's produce line. The dealers say the levy was introduced without consultation and have now threatened to shut down the produce line until their concerns are addressed. Ambience Tension is brewing at Lira City's Awangemola Road, popularly known as the Produce Line, after produce dealers rejected a new revenue demand imposed by the city authority. The dealers say they have been asked to pay a produce entry permit, with trucks reportedly required to pay at least one hundred and fifty thousand shillings. They insist this is a new arrangement that was introduced without adequate consultation or sensitization. Bite… Etuku Tom, Chairperson Produce Dealers The traders say they are already overwhelmed by the rising cost of doing business. They explain that most of their produce is imported from Tanzania, where they incur heavy taxes, before facing additional expenses along the way. On top of this, they say they already pay income tax, trading licences, rent and other business-related costs. Bite… Anna Okwir, Produce Dealers They say they are not opposed to paying taxes, but insist that any revenue demand must be fair and introduced through proper consultation. At a meeting held today, the dealers resolved to formally write to Lira City Council rejecting the new revenue demand. POPs They also called on their members to shut down the produce line until their concerns are addressed. Bite…. Robert Okello Ayo, PRO Lira City Council Whether the city authority will engage the dealers and avert the threatened shutdown now remains to be seen. –End- Filed & Run 16th July, 2026