Uganda to Reform Second-Hand Trade

Uganda’s second-hand clothing sector supports millions of jobs, especially among youth, while providing affordable apparel amid high poverty and unemployment. Educated entrepreneurs dominate the trade, which generated $95.9 million in imports in 2023 and $87 million in tax revenue in 2022/23. However, government policies, including high import duties and a per-kilogram tax system, threaten the sector and violate East African Community rules. Experts call for phased industrial support, fair taxation, and formal integration of traders.