By Enock Ndyamuhakyi
Kabale, Uganda – Traders in Kabale District have voiced serious concerns over what they describe as excessive and unfair taxation by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), warning that the growing tax burden is threatening the survival of their businesses.
The grievances were raised during a consultative meeting held on Tuesday at Kirigime Guest House in Southern division of Kabale Municipality.
The meeting was organized by the Kabale Municipality Traders’ Association in partnership with the Uganda National Traders’ Alliance (UNATA), drawing business owners from various sectors.
Taremwa Nicholas Magufuli, a produce trader, criticized what he called a double taxation system, revealing that goods imported from neighboring East African countries are taxed at the border and again when they reach local markets.“We pay taxes at the border, but to our surprise, URA still overtaxes us locally. Other East African countries charge less, but here the burden is just too heavy,” he lamented.
Textile trader Kyampaire Gertrude also expressed frustration, citing high taxes despite poor sales. “There are days when we don’t sell anything, but we’re still expected to pay high taxes.
We’re calling on our associations to step in and rescue us,” she said.
The traders appealed to UNATA and other stakeholders to engage URA and advocate for tax reforms that favor small and medium enterprises (SMEs), rather than stifling them.
CUE IN: TRADERS ON TAX..RR
In response, Turyamureba Michael Byamungu, Chairperson of the Kabale Municipality Traders Association, encouraged traders to fulfill their tax obligations in a timely manner to avoid misunderstandings and punitive measures.“It’s the duty of every trader to pay taxes.
When we delay or appear to dodge them, tax officials assume we’re evading, and this leads to over-taxation,” Byamungu said.
He pledged to follow up on issues related to cross-border tax collection and the high tariffs affecting traders.
Godfrey Katongole, President of the Uganda National Traders Alliance, acknowledged the traders’ frustrations and assured them that their concerns are among the key reasons President Yoweri Museveni commissioned a nationwide consultation tour.
He urged traders to join associations to amplify their voices and promised to deliver their concerns to the President in hopes of achieving meaningful policy changes.
