Uganda tax collections rise to sh1,000 billion

By Alfred Wasike UGANDA's tax collections have risen to sh1,000b this year from sh44b in 1988, President Yoweri Museveni has disclosed. Museveni attributed the rise in taxes to political stability and sustainable economic policies. He urged leaders to "explain to the people the clear achievements of the Movement in areas like UPE (Universal Primary Education), water development, health provision and others so that the population is not misled by lies and misinformation," Hope Kivengere, Museveni's press secretary, said. Museveni made the remarks yesterday at a consultative meeting with leaders of Isingiro county, Mbarara at Rwakitura. He thanked Isingiro and Bukanga counties "for their continued support to the Movement and urged them to maintain their support so that the Government completes laying the foundation for sustainable development." In a memorandum presented by the Mbarara district defence secretary, Capt. Steven Rwakanuma, the leaders assured Museveni of support in the coming elections. Isingiro MPs, Maj. Jacob Asiimwe and Dr Johnson Nkuuhe, attended the meeting. Museveni said "it is through increased tax collections that government will be able to sustain development programmes." He said even with improved revenue collection, the government would undertake the programmes "stage-by-stage according to deliberate planning." Museveni stressed the importance of a stable political environment for development and advised them "to shun those who are bent on disturbing politics in their area because this delays development programmes". He appealed to leaders to "sensitise the population to reject political bribery which is used to manipulate the population during political campaigns." He also said if they succumb to "political bribery, the people would be cheating themselves since they will end up electing leaders who are not capable of rendering proper service to their areas." Museveni briefed the leaders about future plans on roads, water provision, electricity and the expansion of schools in their area. He told them that Mbarara-Kaberebere-Kikagate road will be tarmacked under the East African Road Development Master Plan. He said Kyezimbire SSS, which was vandalised during the 1979 war, will be rebuilt. Ends