Local governments asked to account for taxpayers' money

PIC: Dustan Balaba speaking at the local government conference yesterday. (Credit: Julius Ojula)

FINANCE | LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

Local governments have been asked to utilize taxpayers' money effectively if they want locals to pay taxes willingly.

According to Dustan Balaba, the chairperson of Local Governments Accounting Officers in Uganda, local governments are faced with a lot of challenges when comes to tax collections.

Balaba, who doubles as the chief administrative officer for Kabarole district, said most local governments have low revenue base.

Speaking on Thursday at Makerere University main hall, during the 4th annual conference on economic, social and cultural rights under the theme: Local Government and Service Delivery in Uganda: Achievements, Challenges and the way forward, Balaba said the central government controls all the big sources of revenues.

"We are left to fight with our own people, whose businesses are for survival. We collect tax from tomatoes, onions, cucumbers. How do you expect to get money from these people?" Balaba asked.

He advised local government officials to use the little money they get from taxpayers for delivering services like good roads, hospitals and schools.

"Do not use this money for your personal benefits. If people do not see good services delivered to them, they will not be convinced to pay taxes," said Balaba.

PIC: Local government officials at the conference held at Makerere University