When the government announced a 12 percent tariff on imported printed media, the owner of Kampala’s beloved comic shop, “Heroes & Legends,” never imagined his modest business would become a flashpoint in the national trade debate. The store, which imports most of its graphic novels from the United States and Japan, saw wholesale costs jump by $3 per title, forcing a price hike that threatened to alienate its loyal fan base. “Our customers are already paying a premium for rare editions,” said proprietor Alex Mwanga. In response, the shop launched a crowdfunding campaign to offset the added expense and partnered with local artists to produce home‑grown comics, turning a crisis into an opportunity to promote Ugandan storytelling. The episode has highlighted broader concerns among small retailers about the impact of protectionist policies on cultural imports.
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