Less tax can do a lot for sport
Apr 24, 2006
GOVERNMENT might not have adequate resources to directly finance Ugandan sport, but, there is so much else they can do to create a change.<br>
Monday SPORT Opinion - By Louis Jadwong Sports Editor
GOVERNMENT might not have adequate resources to directly finance Ugandan sport, but, there is so much else they can do to create a change.
The Ugandan leg of the African Rally Championship at the weekend was one of the most competitive, simply because motor-sport drivers have in the past year taken advantage of government tax exemptions to import spare parts and rally cars. Prohibitive taxes were clearly killing the sport.
The national associations, especially those that bring the country medals like soccer, athletics and boxing must get tax exemptions to make up for the lack of a national fund for sports.
The Uganda Athletics Federations for example might be able to negotiate with sports-wear manufacturers like Puma, but, are frustrated if every time kit is sent, they have to pay up to sh5m in taxes to access the offer. UAF gets only sh8m from NCS annually.
The construction of the modern synthetic hockey pitch at Lugogo sponsored by the IOC has similarly stalled because of taxes while struggling football still has to give up 17% VAT from its gate collections.
Government can help Uganda’s sportsmen and women compete internationally by reviewing its policy on taxes.
GOVERNMENT might not have adequate resources to directly finance Ugandan sport, but, there is so much else they can do to create a change.
The Ugandan leg of the African Rally Championship at the weekend was one of the most competitive, simply because motor-sport drivers have in the past year taken advantage of government tax exemptions to import spare parts and rally cars. Prohibitive taxes were clearly killing the sport.
The national associations, especially those that bring the country medals like soccer, athletics and boxing must get tax exemptions to make up for the lack of a national fund for sports.
The Uganda Athletics Federations for example might be able to negotiate with sports-wear manufacturers like Puma, but, are frustrated if every time kit is sent, they have to pay up to sh5m in taxes to access the offer. UAF gets only sh8m from NCS annually.
The construction of the modern synthetic hockey pitch at Lugogo sponsored by the IOC has similarly stalled because of taxes while struggling football still has to give up 17% VAT from its gate collections.
Government can help Uganda’s sportsmen and women compete internationally by reviewing its policy on taxes.