Uganda Revenue Authority partook in the CBS PEWOSA Agri-business Expo at Pookino Grounds in Masaka City.
While live on CBS 89.2FM’s Gakyali Mabaga program on Saturday, broadcasting from Masaka, the supervisor Tax Education Robert Lumanyika explained that URA’s mandate is to mobilize and collect revenue for government to provide services such as roads, health facilities and education.
He appreciated the partnership that allowed URA to meet face to face with the persons in the agribusiness sector. “Participating in this expo provides us with an opportunity to interact with the taxpayers, to know the challenges they face in taxation, and how URA can help them overcome those challenges.”
In line with the tax awareness agenda, the importance of a TIN for any person involved in income generating activities such as businesses, employment, rentals and production was highlighted. The expo attendees were urged to get a TIN since it is free of charge and it can be got instantly.
“Even those who wish to supply government, they need a TIN in order to get government projects, transferring a motor vehicle and motorcycle, you need a TIN. When you make transactions exceeding UGX10million such as transfer of land, you require a TIN to pay stamp duty,” explained Lumanyika.
On taxes relating to agricultural equipment, animal and chicken feeds, it was revealed that they are VAT exempt adding that Saccos do not pay taxes on their income. A question on the tax threshold was raised and it was clarified by the URA team that everyone earning income above UGX 2.82 million annually pay taxes.
There was a contention on counterfeit drugs and fertilizers and how they enter the country. It was noted that those are illegal and should be intercepted at the several One Stop Border Posts (OSBPs). This is because OSBPs harbour all government agencies involved in clearing goods entering the country to ease checks. Therefore, agencies like UNBS, NDA, Security Agencies, Immigration are stationed in one building and URA is the last in line.
Minister for Lukiiko, Cabinet Affairs, Protocol and General Duties in Katikkiro’s Office, Ewekitiibwa Noah Kiyimba appreciated exhibitors especially government agencies for participating in the 3rd Edition of the PEWOSA Agribusiness Expo in Masaka saying that they shared knowledge with taxpayers.
“I call upon the agencies to sensitize the masses about what they do and enlighten them on the benefits. Most Ugandans are unaware about their rights and obligations in the development of the country, so do more sensitization programs,” said Ewek. Kiyimba.
In addition, he urged farmers to engage in value addition so as to gain from the tax-free exports.
Speaking at the URA tent, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Buganda Kingdom, Owekitiibwa Hajji Hamis Kakomo, reiterated Hajji Kiyimba’s call for more sensitization in order to ensure tax compliance amongst taxpayers.
The 3rd Edition of CBS PEWOSA Agri-business Expo in Masaka ended Monday and attracted over 250 exhibitors showcasing various products.
By Kamugisha Kabahweza Allan
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