China Town closure reminiscent of Kenyan sister China Space

KAMPALA, UGANDA | THE INDEPENDENT | China Town Super store, the new talk of the town in the retail space, made another record as the only business to close down after being overwhelmed by customers. The numbers defied the huge expanse of the former Shoprite Game store at Lugogo, as each day since the opening on Saturday, recorded even bigger crowds.

There was renewed excitement in Kampala on Tuesday after the management of the store led by Daniel Akwanget announced that they would reopen on Wednesday, after improving security measures there. The closure on Tuesday was prompted by fears that the place was exposed to terror attacks as the security measures were deemed inadequate without metal detectors.

The numbers kept surging as information spread further that there were products that were selling at more than half the prices on the market. Many of the people, however, even by the conclusion of the store managers were either window-shopping or creating content for social media.

Daniel Akwanget, the marketing manager said the social media enthusiasts were taking pictures of items with the price tags and posting, promoting more people to go there. The scenario caused speculation that traders in Kampala might find another reason to protest over the lack of protection of local businesses against the more financially powerful foreigners.

This would be reminiscent of the 2023 event in Kenya when a retail giant, China Space was forced to close in Kenya. Seemingly, the closure was sparked by a concerned Paul Rukundo, who asked the police to take action over what he thought was inadequate security detail.

“Amidst threats of terrorism attacks by Alshabaab, the laxity at Lugogo, China town shopping mall is so alarming! You drive in and out without any checks,  Police and (Assistant Inspector General of Police) Tom Magambo you need to help us!” he wrote on X.

Magambo responded promptly, “Comrade Rukundo, this concern is well noted. As the joint security teams continue to protect and counter any possible threats, we call upon all peace-loving individuals and groups, to continue their normal activities but remain vigilant and report any suspicious persons in their area.” Barely hours later the thousands of shoppers were ordered to vacate.

In Kenya, the Chinese-owned shop selling cheap household goods was accused of being able to sell cheaply because it was, allegedly, stocking counterfeit and substandard goods. Hundreds of Kenyan petty traders marched to the deputy president’s office in Nairobi to demand the government stop what they referred to as a “China invasion”, as record customer numbers invaded the shop.

*****

URN