Bread House Bakery and School of Baking, one of Kampala’s beloved confectionery chains, has shut down all its operations in solidarity with fellow traders protesting against the implementation of the Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing Solution (EFRIS) by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).
The usually bustling branches of Bread House, known for their delectable pastries and freshly baked bread cakes and snacks, now stand silent, their doors closed as a symbol of resistance against what traders perceive as unfair tax policies.
The decision to close shop came amidst a wave of protests sweeping through Kampala, with traders expressing their discontent by shuttering their businesses in protest against EFRIS.
The contentious system, aimed at digitising fiscal transactions and enhancing tax compliance, has sparked widespread outcry among traders, who argue that it imposes undue burdens and disrupts their operations.
Bread House, a fixture in Kampala’s culinary landscape, made the bold move to stand in solidarity with its fellow traders, echoing their grievances against the implementation of EFRIS.
“Dear customers, due to crude and unfair treatment from URA, we have chosen to join the rest of the business community in the demonstration by closing business and shall reopen on Saturday 20th April 2024. We apologise for any inconvenience cause. Management,” reads a notice from Bread House.
The closure of all Bread House branches sends a powerful message, underscoring the unified stance of the business community against what they perceive as unjust taxation policies.
President Yoweri Museveni has scheduled a meeting with leaders of the Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA) tomorrow Friday to address the escalating situation.
With tensions running high and businesses feeling the strain of the ongoing protests, all eyes are on the outcome of the impending dialogue between the government and the trading community.
As the sun sets over the quiet storefronts of Bread House, the aroma of freshly baked goods that once filled the air now hangs faintly, a poignant reminder of the economic challenges facing Kampala’s business landscape in the wake of the EFRIS controversy.
The closure of Bread House serves as a stark reminder of the high stakes involved in the battle between traders and tax authorities, as both sides seek to find common ground amidst the turmoil engulfing Uganda’s business community.
