UGANDA, Kampala | Real Muloodi News | Local Ugandan investors, represented by the Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UNCCI), are urging the government to address disparities in tax obligations and land allocation, alleging that politically affiliated business entities aligned with the ruling elite evade taxes and enjoy preferential treatment.
These concerns were voiced during a meeting between UNCCI members and officials from the State House Investors Protection Unit, led by Colonel Edith Nakalema.
The gathering, spearheaded by UNCCI president Olive Kigongo, aimed to assess the local investment landscape and advocate for fair treatment of Ugandan traders.
Barnabas Kiisa, UNCCI chairperson for Mbale city, highlighted issues surrounding land allocation in the Mbale industrial park, alleging favouritism towards foreign investors, particularly Chinese nationals, at the expense of local entrepreneurs.
Kiisa recounted his personal experience of being denied land allocation despite meeting all requirements, citing corruption within the system as a barrier to equitable opportunities.
He emphasised the need for uniform tax incentives for investors, regardless of nationality, proposing a maximum tax holiday period of five years to promote fairness and discourage tax evasion.
“There is blatant tax evasion among top-ranking officials, while law-abiding investors bear the brunt. This inequity undermines the collective contribution to Uganda’s development,” Kiisa emphasised.
The investors also called for the streamlining of investment facilitation systems and agencies to combat corruption and simplify procedures.
Olive Kigongo criticised the proliferation of intermediaries, highlighting UNCCI’s role as a facilitator for both local and international investment.
“In many countries, the chamber of commerce is the sole facilitator of business, but here you have UIA, URSB, and many others, which breeds corruption. These numerous centers are confusing and time-consuming,” Kigongo stated.
In response, Edith Nakalema acknowledged the investors’ grievances and pledged the government’s commitment to safeguarding local investors’ interests.
She assured them of addressing the concerns raised through appropriate channels and emphasised the government’s duty to protect local investors while promoting foreign investment.
“The government has the mandate to protect local investors, and we are in talks with the security agencies about those foreign investors who engage in retailing. I also request you to put all the concerns you have presented today in writing, and I assure you I will forward them to the relevant offices and follow them up for action,” Nakalema affirmed.
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