Archbishop Kaziimba calls for dialogue on EFRIS
Apr 20, 2024
“We cannot do without taxation," Kaziimba said.
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba at the thanksgiving Service for the Directorate of Church of Uganda's Education Services where best performing Anglican schools in the 2023 UNEB were rewarded at Mengo Senior Secondary School. (Photos by Maria Wamala)
Maria Wamala
Photo Journalist @New Vision
___________________ Rt. Rev. Moses Banja the bishop of Namirembe Diocese, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu and speaker of Buganda Lukiiko Nelson Kawalya after the thanksgiving Service for the Directorate of Church of Uganda's Education Services where best performing Anglican schools in the 2023 UNEB were rewarded at Mengo Senior Secondary School
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu has called for dialogue between the government and the traders /taxpayers over the contentious Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing System (EFRIS) enforcement that has caused traders’ protests countrywide.
“We cannot do without taxation. The country cannot survive. Governments worldwide rely on tax revenue to finance investments in human capital, infrastructure, and public services for their citizens. Without tax the government can't deliver services,” he said, adding that even Jesus paid tax.
In the Gospel of Matthew, we find a story in which Jesus speaks with his followers about paying the temple tax. (Mt 17:23-27), Jesus instructs his followers, “Go to the sea and cast a hook; take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a coin; take that and give it to them for you and me.”
Kaziimba further quoted Mark 12:17 “Well, then,” Jesus said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” However, he condemned high taxation.
“That’s where dialogue comes in, to reduce high taxation so that business is profitable enough to enable traders to pay tax comfortably,” he said, adding that the two sides need to listen to each other.
The Church of Uganda Archbishop made the remarks after officiating at the thanksgiving Service for the Directorate of Church of Uganda's Education Services where the best performing Anglican schools in the 2023 UNEB were rewarded at Mengo Senior Secondary School on Friday.
President Museveni, traders' dialogue
Later on Friday, President Yoweri Museveni held discussions with leaders of different traders’ groups across the country.
The meeting at State House Entebbe followed a strike by traders who closed their businesses, expressing their discontent against the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA)’s implementation of the Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing Solution (EFRIS).
The discussions mainly centred on the taxation levied on their businesses, especially the EFRIS system.
During the meeting, the President informed the traders that he would meet the technocrats from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, and URA on the 24th, of April 2024 for wider consultations.
According to a state House release, the President pledged to host another meeting of more traders' groups on 7th May 2024 at Kololo Independence Grounds, Kampala
President Museveni further directed that all penalties should be suspended by the URA in the meantime to give room for wider consultations.
The leaders of the traders agreed to reopen their businesses as they continue to consult further with the government.
The delegation of 61 leaders was led by Mr. Kabanda John, the leader of the Federation of Uganda’s Traders Associations (FUTA), and Dr. Musoke Thadeus Agenda, the leader of the Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA).
Mr. Issa Ssekito, the Spokesperson of KACITA also attended the meeting.
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