Hotel owners in Kampala are cashing-in on RWANDAN traders flocking the city for the festive season shopping.

According to information from Jaguar Bus Services, the number of people traveling to Uganda for business has more than doubled, with some traveling three times a week.

 "Rwandans want a variety. I am not surprised they keep coming to Kampala,’ Stephen Richley, the managing director, Body Care Products said.

Adding, it is easier and cheaper to shop in Kampala as shops are many.

Most wholesale traders in Kampala say Rwandan normally purchase textile and cosmetics.

Now hotels around the Jaguar Bus terminal in Namirembe, Kampala are fully booked. "Our clients book rooms in advance. If a client books a room and delays to arrive or pay we give it out,” Alice, a receptionist at Shubharm Hotel opposite the Jaguar bus terminal said.

Prices up
Prices of some textile products have increased with T-shirts going up from Shs15,000 (Frw5,000) to Shs30.000 (Frw10,000); gentlemen and ladies’ suits have shot up from shs180,000 (about Frw60,000) to Shs250,000 (about Frw84,000) and men’s shirts from Shs20,000 (Frw6,700) to Shs35,000 (Frw11,700).

The problem traders here have no new stock,” complained Muteteri, a business woman from Kigali said.
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