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State Minister for Finance, Henry Musasizi, presented a compelling case before the committee, chaired by Amos Kankunda, advocating for eight companies seeking a total of Shs 13.391 billion in tax exemptions.
This move set the stage for intense deliberations and passionate exchanges among the Members of Parliament, highlighting the significance of transparency and accountability in fiscal matters.
Particular scrutiny fell upon J2E Investments Corporation Limited, associated with Elderly MP Penina Busingye, as MPs vehemently opposed the company’s request for Shs2.7 billion in exemptions.
Allegations of substandard work on Ministry of Defense projects and failure to remit VAT to the Uganda Revenue Authority raised serious concerns about tax compliance and corporate responsibility, underscoring the need for stringent oversight and enforcement of tax regulations.
Upholding accountability and transparency in tax exemption requests
Amidst the heated discussions, NICONTRA Construction, linked to Nicholas Byengoma and Defense Ministry Permanent Secretary Rosette Byengoma, faced scrutiny for seeking VAT exemptions totaling Shs931 million.
The revelation of the company’s failure to remit collected VAT payments drew astonishment from MPs, emphasizing the critical importance of upholding transparent and equitable tax practices to maintain the integrity of the tax system.
In a resolute display of commitment to fairness and integrity in taxation policies, the committee decisively rejected exemption requests from entities such as Kisiizi Hospital Power Limited, Nkumba University, Busoga University, Makerere Business Institute, and individual dealers like Peter Lokwang.
This unwavering stance underscores the committee’s dedication to fostering a level playing field for all businesses and upholding the principles of accountability and fairness in the realm of taxation.
MPs, led by vocal advocates like Bumaali Mpindi, reiterated the necessity for consistent and uniform tax policies, condemning any attempts to use influence to secure special tax privileges.
The committee’s decision marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding tax exemptions in Uganda, particularly against the backdrop of economic challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
This development reinforces the imperative of transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct in tax matters to ensure the country’s financial stability and equitable distribution of fiscal burdens.
Check also;
- Bujagali Secures Another Year Of Tax Waiver Despite Auditor-General’s Warning
- Divided Opinions Emerge As Parliament Prepares To Vote On New Taxes
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![[dropcap]A[/dropcap] section of women in Bugongo parish and Nawangaiza parish in Nawandala Sub County, Iganga District have decried the near-impossible terms set for them to access GROW funds. They have now petitioned their woman member of parliament for Iganga Hon. Kauma Sauda Alibaawo to ask the government for revised terms and conditions. This is to enable them to benefit from the program. The disgruntled women accuse the implementers of the program of charging the money. They are also asking for their land titles and land agreements. They said that such properties are governed by their husbands. These, therefore want the government through their woman MP to intervene and revise the requirements for one to benefit. The women were on Wednesday at Namabwere primary school in Nawandala Sub County. They had gathered in their respective groups to receive over 300 chickens from Hon Alibaawo in her campaign to improve the livelihood of women in Iganga district. Each group was given 50 chicken as start-up capital in their journey to prosperity. Read what some leaders said; Ms Naigambi Lydia from Nawandala Trading Centre says, “They solicited money from us through opening bank accounts and depositing Shs80,000. They also asked for land titles and land agreements from us yet we don’t have such things. I was informed that I needed to have a business with a capital of Shs4m yet my capital was very small.” The chairperson Kisoboka Saving Group in Nawandala Ms. Nakagolo Faith said they were not able to join the program. This is given the many conditions attached. She also asked their woman MP to raise their concerns to the relevant offices. The MP condemned the mode of implementation of the program. She cited that it has turned to benefit the well-off class of women other than the intended group. She further asked the government to intervene saying the current strings attached to the programme are very tight to accommodate a common woman. GROW project is a Government of Uganda initiative that arose out of the need to respond to the needs of women entrepreneurs. This is especially those who want to grow their businesses, sustain their self-employment and create more jobs. Check Also; Iganga District NRM Leaders Urge Museveni To Fulfill Election Promises Of 2021 International Women's Day: Celebrating Progress Towards Equality](https://i0.wp.com/newslexpoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Iganga-women-decry-tough-terms-to-access-GROW-funds-e1731738339732.jpg?resize=300%2C160&ssl=1)
