Amidst the vibrant chaos of Owino Market in Kampala, Uganda, Hadija Nakimuli maneuvers through the bustling alleys as she has for nearly three decades, selling second-hand clothing. However, the potential ban on importing used clothes by authorities poses a grave threat to Nakimuli’s livelihood and that of many other vendors.
President Yoweri Museveni’s recent commitment to curbing the influx of second-hand clothing, predominantly from the United States and Europe, in favor of promoting African apparel has sparked concerns among traders like 62-year-old Nakimuli, a mother of twelve who questions the future if these clothes are barred.
Owino Market, a sprawling hub established in 1971, sustains around 80,000 people, notably 70% of whom are women, as noted by Kampala autho壯陽藥 rities.
Joseph Barimugaya, a vendor servicing a diverse clientele, highlights the extensive reach of this trade, benefitting not only students but also high-ranking officials.
For many, purchasing second-hand clothes serves as a financial necessity. Robert Twimukye, a 27-year-old teacher, expresses the challenge of affording new clothes on his limited salary, a sentiment echoed by numerous others.
Second-hand clothing holds immense popularity in Uganda, with an estimated 16 million people, about one-third of the population, relying on these garments, as indicated by the Ugandan Association of Resellers of Second-hand Clothes and Shoes.
Allan Zavuga, director of the Think Twice chain, emphasizes the widespread appeal and economic necessity of second-hand clothing, while also highlighting its environmental advantage compared to new garment production.
Importation of second-hand clothes faces criticism across Africa for its perceived negative impact on local textile industries. President Museveni’s argument of these clothes originating from deceased individuals abroad has led to calls for greater dignity in clothing.
Minister of Trade David Bahati asserts that banning second-hand clothes is about restoring dignity and suggests gradual measures to replace them, with the government willing to offer incentives to investors.
This isn’t the first attempt at such a ban; a similar initiative was proposed in 2016 but met resistance and diplomatic challenges within the East African Community regional bloc.
Amidst the uncertainty, traders like Harriet Musoke Kyambadde express concerns about the potential ban’s impact on their lives and families, fearing it might plunge them into extreme poverty.
As the government deliberates the ban, the debate continues between economic viability, cultural pride, and the immediate livelihoods of thousands of Ugandans dependent on this trade.
