By Watera Atai and Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
Traders in Kampala city under their umbrella, Kampala City Traders’ Association on Friday 23rd June, 2023 held a joint press conference with the tax regulatory body – URA seeking to resolve the business people’s concerns in greater Kampala.
This was after KACITA received numerous complaintsnumerous concerns from the business community regarding the abnormal and unrealistic tax assessments and the alleged misconduct of some of the URA enforcement officers on ground which traders say disrupts businesses and causes commotion.
“Tax enforcement approaches used by both the army and police on the ordinary taxpayers portrays a negative image, instead of the taxpayers understanding their obligations,they are forced to pay taxes out of fear,” traders said.
Thaddeus Musoke,the KACITA chairman observed that URA enforcement officers have closed down several business premises and specified shops due to tax obligations for landlords which has caused them to suffer.
URA Assistant Commissioner Public and Cooperate Affairs, Ibrahim Bossa however noted that the authority doesn’t prefer to using strict tax enforcement measures but are always pulled out by defaulting taxpayers who deliberately avoids paying taxes.
He urged the public to report to nearby URA offices any illegitimate services by their staff who put harsh conditions to them .
Commissioner Bossa reminded traders of the deadline for payments of their principal by 31st December, 2023 noting that compliant traders shall not pay interests, penalities and fines as it was well stated in the budget.
At the conference, both parties agreed that KACITA schedules a meeting URA Commissioner General, John Musinguzi Rujooki within next week to discuss and find out a ladting solution to challenges facing traders in Kampala business district.
