Kaliro town council falts politicians over sh120m revenue shortfall

MANAGEMENT

KALIRO - Kaliro town council has faulted the sh120m revenue shortfall on politicians, who, they said evade paying both ground and property rates for their developments.

The acting town clerk, Henry Kyozira, said the council is likey to halt projects for lack of money.

Kyozira added that several tax payers in the town have not paid their dues because they are shielded by top politicians in the district who always threaten the enforcement team while collecting taxes.

"Tax collection in Kaliro has become so hectic for us because politicians who own businesses in the area do not want to pay taxes," Kyozira said, adding: "They also influence other businesspeople not to pay and threaten our staff with dismissal from their jobs if they continue demanding taxes from them."

Kyozira said this during a council meeting in Kaliro town council on Monday. The meeting was presided over by the district speaker, Betty Namakika.

Earlier, councillors blamed Kyozira for failing to collect taxes and challenged him to use available laws, including taking the defaulters to court, regardless of their political status.

"We cannot look on as our town deteriorates in development, yet we have sources that can generate taxes and people are deliberately not paying," Mariam Nanangwe representing Naigombwa ward, said.

"In one month, we need a list of tax defaulting politicians and those fighting the collection of local revenue within one month. Such saboteurs should be dealt with," she added.