UGANDA, Wakiso | Real Muloodi News | Wakiso District authorities have embarked on an initiative to collect property tax from over 80,000 buildings, ranging from commercial structures to hotels and recreation parks. This effort follows a comprehensive valuation exercise that recently assessed and evaluated these properties.
The suspension of property tax collection due to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic has now been lifted, thanks to the newly established valuation roll.
Properties situated in the sub-counties of Wakiso, Mmende, Kakiri, Bbussi, Namayumba, and Masuulita are now subject to property tax.
According to Mr. David Kabaale, the district principal financing officer, the President’s decision to suspend property tax collection had significant implications for the district’s revenue.
However, with the approval of the Ministry of Local Government, the property tax collection exercise has resumed in the current financial year.
While the council initially anticipated generating USh3 billion from property tax in the present financial year, the valuation roll has instilled confidence that they will exceed this projection.
The district now expects to collect USh3.6 billion in property tax, compared to the USh3 billion realised in the 2022/2023 fiscal year.
Mr Kabaale attributes the expected increase in revenue to the construction of new taxable buildings in the district and the adjustment of rent fees in some town councils.
As a result, the property tax rate has risen from 4 per cent in the previous financial year to 8 per cent in most of the district’s town councils.
Despite this endeavour to bolster tax collection, some property owners express concerns. Mr. Vincent Kasozi Muwonge, chairperson of Wakiso Traders and a property owner, raises questions about the taxation of incomplete buildings.
He highlights the issue of taxing structures while they are still in the foundation phase and later demanding payment when the construction is completed, urging officials to adhere to property tax laws.
Additionally, Mr Kasozi alleges that tax collectors impose additional levies on rent fees collected by property owners.
He voices concerns about the confrontational approach taken by tax collectors, which sometimes leads to disputes with property owners and tenants.
In response to these concerns, Ms. Josephine Nabaggala Kafeero, the Nansana Municipality Deputy Town Clerk, emphasises the adherence to valuation laws and procedures.
Valuation decisions take into account factors like location and size, and the property tax funds are utilised based on decisions made through consultative meetings, starting from the village level.
As Wakiso District endeavours to increase property tax revenue by targeting a substantial number of buildings, balancing tax collection with the concerns of property owners remains a crucial challenge that authorities must address.
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