URA dismisses claims to levy taxes on Kabaka’s donations

By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,

MENGO

Ugandan tax regulatory body, URA has dismissed as falsehoods allegations that they are planning to collect taxes from Kabaka ‘s donations.

Last year the Katikiro of Buganda, Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga revealed that there were speculations that the authority is plotting to impose taxes on gifts presented to the Kingdom head culturally known as Oluwalo something which he condemned.

John Musinguzi Rujooki, the commissioner general of URA has refuted the claims noting that the authority doesn’t tax royal gifts in their tax scope.

“URA only taxes employment income, business income, and property tax and not royal gifts not only of Buganda but any other kingdom,” Rujoki said.

CG Rujooki was leading a delegation from URA in a closed door dialogue with Kingdom officials led by the Katikkiro at Bulange Mengo, earlier this day. He commended the kingdom for largely contributing to Uganda’s tax collection base by 80 percent which he said some of the contributing businesses are those operated by the kingdom.

Speaking to journalists shortly after the meeting, Katikkiro Mayiga said the kingdom will collaborate with URA to promote a positive tax culture among citizens for better service delivery.

Katikkiro Mayiga further decried the practices of evading taxes by many Ugandans who again demand for better service delivery from the government. He noted the need for creating awareness on benefits of tax compliance among citizens.

“Tax collection should be given a human face to broaden the tax base and ensure equitable service delivery. Buganda kingdom is ready to partner with URA in sensitizing citizens on tax collection,” he pledged.

To express their commitment towards working closely with the Kingdom, URA bought a certificate from Buganda kingdom worth UGX 5m.