The fad of acquiring huge Nissans, Pajeros for Govt is worrying!

SIR— The biggest growing sector in Uganda’s economy is not coffee or maize or copper but the number of imported cars bearing the number plates UG. Suddenly, they are everywhere and none are small re-conditioned Toyota cars. Most are Nissan Patrols, Land Cruisers, Land Rovers and other big, very expensive, fuel-guzzling cars. It seems like such a waste of good money instead of trickling down to alleviate poverty. Having these large cars also has a multiplier effect in the cost of fuel to the Government. On average, a Nissan Patrol needs shs 1120,000 in fuel a week, whereas a Toyota Corona around shs 25,000, a significant difference. In addition, the price for spares and general maintenance is extremely high. Why couldn’t the Government buy smaller cars and even second hand-conditioned ones.! A brand new Nissan Patrol, duty paid is around shs 100m, whereas a Toyota is at shs 6m. in a country where every single shilling should be put to effective use, putting shs 94 m extra into a “car”- a show car , a symbol of prestige, is clearly questionable. further more, I see UG cars going home with families, picking up children from school, going shopping in markets and even being used for private business. In addition, as the driver is not the owner, these expensive cars are driven recklessly and many already display scratches, dumps and dents. Isn’t this classed as personal use and should these people not be taxed? Surprisingly, I positioned myself near Masaka roundabout on Friday afternoon , the number of UG-registered cars heading west was amazing. This is all clearly private use and should be taxed as a benefit. Where is the Uganda Revenue Authority? Lets be fair to everyone. At today’s fuel prices, some people are enjoying a substantial benefit by driving in these huge, monstrous cars. In a country that has so much poverty and basic problems just of survival, seeing so many huge cars bearing UG number plates saddens me. it is worrying me that our priorities are totally misguided. Hasan Nsubuga Masaka