Internet users in Arua city ask govt to scrap OTT tax

INTERNET | OTT | TAX

ARUA - Internet Users in Arua city have asked government to scrap the over-the-top (OTT) services tax levied on social media users.

They made the call during the dissemination of a research report on the state of digital rights and governance at Royal Cranes Annex Hotel in Arua city on Wednesday (April 7, 2021).

Unwanted Witness, a civil society organization in partnership with Digital Human Rights Lab with support from GIZ researched to explore the current state and development of digital rights and internet governance in Uganda.

The research indicates that the introduction of OTT tax for all users and failure to monitor the set policies on internet use is hindering many Ugandans from enjoying their digital rights.

The OTT tax was introduced in 2018 whereby one had to pay sh200 daily to access social media platforms. 

However, many Ugandans have dodged the tax and now the Government has proposed to replace it with 12% tax on internet data other than for medical and educational services.

Nezma Ocokoru, the interim Mayor Arua Central Division says OTT tax is exorbitant to all citizens.

Ramji Krisha, an environmentalist says connectivity of the internet is limited to some areas in the country thus leaving out ordinary Ugandans.

Dorothy Mukasa the Executive Director Unwanted Witness says since the introduction of OTT in 2018, many internet users can no longer sustain internet usage in Uganda.

However, the Resident City commissioner Arua, Martin Orochi says there is a need for massive sensitization of internet users on its right use.