MICHAEL N
Ntungamo District Council, led by Council Speaker Dan Nabimanya, held a meeting yesterday where LC5 councilors expressed concerns over how taxes are collected in markets, particularly on animals and bananas.
The ADUL committee, which involves district councillors, conducted a feasibility study sample last week in Rubaare Market and reported that traders are being charged amounts that are not in accordance with the law.
The committee, led by Itojo Sub-county LC5 councilor Denis Muhumuza, also known as Gen Savimbi, found that GISOs, parish chiefs, and veterinary officials are involved in collecting taxes, despite not being legally mandated to do so. The study revealed that while every trader entering or leaving the market should pay UGX 12,000, these officials charge more than UGX 100,000, which is illegal.
Rugarama Sub-county LC5 lady councillor Sadati Tushabe Muhereza stressed that GESOs in Rubaare were collecting taxes from cows and goats, although their official role is security-related and not tax collection. She further noted that these taxes are not remitted to the council, leaving traders and locals burdened.
Naboth Mpiridwe, the LC5 councilor for Ntungamo Sub-county, revealed that the feasibility study found that each cow is charged over UGX 100,000 by multiple parties—including LC1 chairpersons, GISOs, parish chiefs, veterinary officers, market tenders, and town council leadership. He emphasized that this is a heavy burden on traders and the funds are not presented to the district.
Chrispus Mwesigwa Mwesigye, district councillor for Rubaare Town Council, called for an investigation by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit on how GISOs are involved in collecting government taxes and where these funds go after collection. He recommended that the Rubaare Town Clerk, mayor, and speaker step aside during the investigation, as they are implicated in these cases. Mwesigwa further urged that sensitization and education meetings be held with traders to clarify how much tax should be paid and who is responsible for collecting it.
