Reduce tax on new vehicles

Nov 09, 2009

Letter of the day<br><br>EDITOR—George Kaahwa’s article: “Why do Ugandans buy older vehicles?” (The New Vision, November 6) was brilliant. It is true that Japan, Dubai and the West just use Uganda as a dumping place for their toxic vehicles, com

Letter of the day

EDITOR—George Kaahwa’s article: “Why do Ugandans buy older vehicles?” (The New Vision, November 6) was brilliant. It is true that Japan, Dubai and the West just use Uganda as a dumping place for their toxic vehicles, computers and other gadgets.

Since Uganda is fond of used things (mivumba), Uganda Revenue Authority is all smiles as it collects billions from these rotten vehicles. As Kaahwa says, the proposed “pre-shipment inspection” will not work. Who will thoroughly inspect the hundreds of vehicles coming into Uganda every week?

This inspection will not only mean another charge on the final buyer of the vehicle, but also another ugly window of corruption. Just put a limit on the year of manufacture and begin from there. It is that simple!

Here in the US, the government encourages people to buy new, energy- efficient home appliances. You take your old refrigerator to the government, which issues you with a receipt for it. (This ensures that the junky is not going to be given to a needy neighbour, but it is on a sure way to the jaws of the crushing machine). You take that receipt to the shop and present it as you buy a new refrigerator.

Immediately, your new appliance will cost you at least $100 less on top of it being environmentally friendlier. That way, the government gives you money back for surrendering an old machine for a better one.

Who wouldn’t like such a deal?
We can get rid of the many dangerous smoky vehicles by reducing taxes for newer vehicles even without hiking taxes for junkies. As a result, we will use less fuel, have a cleaner environment and have fewer accidents provided roads will be less like gullies, the way most Ugandan roads are today!.

Henry F Mulindwa,
USA

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