KAMPALA: Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni’s declaration to ban imports of used clothing, citing concerns that these items are coming “from dead people,” has caused concern in the country’s bustling secondhand clothing market.
Owino Market, located in downtown Kampala, which has long been a hub for affordable, quality-made used clothes, is now facing uncertainty as traders fear the looming ban could cause disaster for their livelihoods.
The secondhand clothing industry, a multimillion-dollar business in Uganda, provides a source of income for several traders who sell these used clothes, primarily from Europe and America. Museveni’s announcement, made in August, has left traders in a state of panic, even though the ban has not been fully enforced yet, awaiting legal measures such as an executive order to take effect.
The president’s move aligns with a broader trend in several African countries where leaders are trying to curb the influx of secondhand clothes, arguing that these imports amount to dumping and hinder the growth of local textile industries. The East African Community trade bloc, consisting of Burundi, Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda, has recommended banning imports of used clothes since 2016. However, enforcement has been inconsistent due to pressure from international partners.
Affordable Secondhand Clothing for Uganda Citizens
For many Uganda citizens, secondhand clothing offers an affordable alternative, with items sold at prices as low as 20 cents for a pair of denim jeans or a cashmere scarf. The ban proposal has sparked concerns among traders who fear losing their livelihoods and the potential impact on consumers who rely on affordable clothing options.
The Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA) has opposed an outright ban, advocating for a phased ban that would allow local clothing producers time to enhance their capacity to meet the demand. Some Uganda nationals clothing manufacturers recognize the challenge, acknowledging that locally made fabric often falls short in quality compared to imported secondhand clothes, making it difficult for consumers to shift away from used items.
In Owino Market, traders voiced their concerns about the ban, emphasizing that their businesses are a vital source of income. Abdulrashid Ssuuna, a trader, expressed his worries, saying that a ban would essentially force them out of their livelihoods. The market, always bustling with shoppers, relies heavily on used clothing sales, making the prospect of a government ban untenable for traders.
