Rogge pleads over taxes
Jan 13, 2007
INTERNATIONAL Olympic Committee boss Jacques Rogge has requested government to lift taxes on sports equipment.
By James Bakama
INTERNATIONAL Olympic Committee boss Jacques Rogge has requested government to lift taxes on sports equipment.
“We have lots of equipment to offer. But this is only on assurance that it won’t be taxed,†demanded Rogge.
“It doesn’t make sense to send this equipment and it rots at airports because associations can not pay taxes,†Rogge told representatives of the different Olympic associations.
Local sports authorities have for decades made a similar appeal but their pleas have never got a positive response.
Local volleyball federation boss Tom Omongole read out the associations’ memorandum requesting for a multi-sports indoor facility. But Rogge asked them to present their request through UOC or their national federations.
Rogge had, at an earlier press conference, revealed that his visit was mainly to get a feel of what was happening on the ground.
“I have to feel the pulse of UOC. Some things can’t be understood in reports,†he said, adding that the visit was an opportunity to listen to Uganda’s problems.
He later at a dinner hosted at Serena Hotel, paid tribute to Uganda’s Olympians.
“You are role models, living examples,†Rogge told veterans who included two-time Olympic medalist Leo Rwabwogo, Patrick Etolu and Tom Kawere.
Other Olympians present were Mary Musoke, Boniface Kiprop and Irene Ajambo.
Rogge, who wound up a two-day working visit last evening, listed the benefits of sports.
“Sports brings happiness, it strengthens the mind and will, it also helps our young people respect the rules of society by first respecting the rules of the game.â€
UOC president Maj. Gen. Francis Nyangweso gave a brief history of the national body which he said grew from three to 11 members.
State minister for Education and Sports Charles Bakkabulindi described Rogge’s visit as a sign of good partnership between Uganda and IOC.
Rogge yesterday visited Namugongo Martyrs Shrine and the Source of the Nile in Jinja before touring Mandela National Stadium at Namboole.
Rogge, accompanied by his wife Anne, personal secretary Jasmine Braeckevely and IOC director Tom Sithole, later visited the National Museum before departure.
INTERNATIONAL Olympic Committee boss Jacques Rogge has requested government to lift taxes on sports equipment.
“We have lots of equipment to offer. But this is only on assurance that it won’t be taxed,†demanded Rogge.
“It doesn’t make sense to send this equipment and it rots at airports because associations can not pay taxes,†Rogge told representatives of the different Olympic associations.
Local sports authorities have for decades made a similar appeal but their pleas have never got a positive response.
Local volleyball federation boss Tom Omongole read out the associations’ memorandum requesting for a multi-sports indoor facility. But Rogge asked them to present their request through UOC or their national federations.
Rogge had, at an earlier press conference, revealed that his visit was mainly to get a feel of what was happening on the ground.
“I have to feel the pulse of UOC. Some things can’t be understood in reports,†he said, adding that the visit was an opportunity to listen to Uganda’s problems.
He later at a dinner hosted at Serena Hotel, paid tribute to Uganda’s Olympians.
“You are role models, living examples,†Rogge told veterans who included two-time Olympic medalist Leo Rwabwogo, Patrick Etolu and Tom Kawere.
Other Olympians present were Mary Musoke, Boniface Kiprop and Irene Ajambo.
Rogge, who wound up a two-day working visit last evening, listed the benefits of sports.
“Sports brings happiness, it strengthens the mind and will, it also helps our young people respect the rules of society by first respecting the rules of the game.â€
UOC president Maj. Gen. Francis Nyangweso gave a brief history of the national body which he said grew from three to 11 members.
State minister for Education and Sports Charles Bakkabulindi described Rogge’s visit as a sign of good partnership between Uganda and IOC.
Rogge yesterday visited Namugongo Martyrs Shrine and the Source of the Nile in Jinja before touring Mandela National Stadium at Namboole.
Rogge, accompanied by his wife Anne, personal secretary Jasmine Braeckevely and IOC director Tom Sithole, later visited the National Museum before departure.