DP Urges URA to Address Trader Grievances

The Democratic Party has called on the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) to engage with disgruntled  traders over recent protests on taxes.

Ismael Kiirya, the Democratic  Party Spokesperson told journalists on Tuesday that addressing the issues affecting traders like EFRIS invoicing system and high taxes will solve the stalemate.

Kiirya advised the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) to engage with and address the concerns of traders.

He stressed the significance of URA’s relationship with traders for its survival, urging them to provide assistance on the ground, particularly to those who may have limited literacy skills.

This development comes as two associations of traders have petitioned parliament through the woman MP for Kampala, Shamim Malende and the Leader of opposition in Parliament Joel Ssenyonyi.

Kampala City Traders Association,(KACITA) led by Thadeus Musoke, the chairman handed their petition to the office of LOP.

Their Petition expresses concerns over an influx of Chinese manufacturers operating similar businesses as theirs and chocking theirs in the process. Kacita also protests the high taxes levied on them by the URA.

The traders argue that URA implemented the Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing Solution without consulting them, leading to fears of double taxation. They request Parliament to suspend the system.

They similarly protest the custom valuation of textiles and garments through values and kilo system at customs where a kilogram is costing 3.5 dollars for 47 tarrif.

Following this development, the Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has tasked the (URA) and two Parliamentary Committees to immediately consult with traders to resolve the matter.

During plenary on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, the Speaker instructed URA and Parliament’s sectoral committees on trade, tourism and Finance, Planning, and Economic Development to engage traders and report back to the August House on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.