Kalema warns on tax regime
Oct 06, 2002
UGANDA Manufacturers Association (UMA) has warned that the proposed formation of a customs union by the three East African Community countries might trigger off dumping and trading in counterfeit products in the region
By Vision Reporter
UGANDA Manufacturers Association (UMA) has warned that the proposed formation of a customs union by the three East African Community countries might trigger off dumping and trading in counterfeit products in the region.
“We are strong proponents of the establishment of a uniform trade regime within the region. But weak tax administration is likely to make the region a dumping ground for fake and counterfeit products because of a lax in controls,†said Dr. William Kalema, the UMA board chairman.
This was during the opening of the trade fair at the UMA show grounds on Friday.
He said that also under declaration of goods by many importers has affected government revenue collections in the three sister countries.
Kalema however said that UMA appreciated government’s move to eliminate import duty on raw materials, which has brought down the cost of production in Uganda.
He called on government to eliminate excise duty on sugar, so that it can be afforded by the average Ugandan.
Kalema also hailed the introduction of heavy taxes on plastic wrapping materials, saying that this will go a long way in protecting the environment.
He also welcomed the formation of an Equity Fund which is being spearheaded by the Uganda Development Bank (UDB).
“Most members are concerned about the lack of investment finance. This should be possible through speedy and equitable access to long term capital to all local entrepreneurs, no matter how big or small they are.â€
Tourism, trade and industry minister Prof. Edward Rugumayo, said that while in 1996 the manufacturing industry used to contribute only about 4%, it has now risen to about 11%.
Meanwhile, traffic to Lugogo show grounds along Jinja road will have to adhere to specific guidelines issued by police last week.
The move, which came into effect on Thursday, with the opening of the fair and is expected to last till the end of the exhibition on October 10, is intended to ease traffic as the exhibition is drawing huge crowds.
“Electronic gadgets like camera’s, phones, walkie talkies and weapons will not be allowed to into the ground,†Kampala traffic chief, Gabriel Tibayungwa said.
“Show goers and vehicles will not enter or exit the show grounds through the main gate. The main gate will only be used by VIP’s on the official opening day,†he added.
UGANDA Manufacturers Association (UMA) has warned that the proposed formation of a customs union by the three East African Community countries might trigger off dumping and trading in counterfeit products in the region.
“We are strong proponents of the establishment of a uniform trade regime within the region. But weak tax administration is likely to make the region a dumping ground for fake and counterfeit products because of a lax in controls,†said Dr. William Kalema, the UMA board chairman.
This was during the opening of the trade fair at the UMA show grounds on Friday.
He said that also under declaration of goods by many importers has affected government revenue collections in the three sister countries.
Kalema however said that UMA appreciated government’s move to eliminate import duty on raw materials, which has brought down the cost of production in Uganda.
He called on government to eliminate excise duty on sugar, so that it can be afforded by the average Ugandan.
Kalema also hailed the introduction of heavy taxes on plastic wrapping materials, saying that this will go a long way in protecting the environment.
He also welcomed the formation of an Equity Fund which is being spearheaded by the Uganda Development Bank (UDB).
“Most members are concerned about the lack of investment finance. This should be possible through speedy and equitable access to long term capital to all local entrepreneurs, no matter how big or small they are.â€
Tourism, trade and industry minister Prof. Edward Rugumayo, said that while in 1996 the manufacturing industry used to contribute only about 4%, it has now risen to about 11%.
Meanwhile, traffic to Lugogo show grounds along Jinja road will have to adhere to specific guidelines issued by police last week.
The move, which came into effect on Thursday, with the opening of the fair and is expected to last till the end of the exhibition on October 10, is intended to ease traffic as the exhibition is drawing huge crowds.
“Electronic gadgets like camera’s, phones, walkie talkies and weapons will not be allowed to into the ground,†Kampala traffic chief, Gabriel Tibayungwa said.
“Show goers and vehicles will not enter or exit the show grounds through the main gate. The main gate will only be used by VIP’s on the official opening day,†he added.