Business 15 April 2026 Parliament of Uganda
ICPAU Urges Parliament to Scrap Tax on Non-Business Asset Sales in 2026 Bill
The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda has called for the removal of clauses in the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill 2026 that impose taxes on disposing non-business assets and a 6% withholding tax on related purchases. The body presented various recommendations to Parliament's finance committee, opposing measures that burden citizens and hinder investment while supporting others to broaden the tax base. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/4395/accountants-body-opposes-taxation-disposal-non-business-assets
Officials from the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU) appeared before Parliament’s Committee on Finance, Planning and Economic Development on April 15, 2026, to share their views on the proposed Income Tax (Amendment) Bill for the 2026/2027 financial year.
ICPAU’s Silajji Kanyesigye strongly opposed taxing gains from selling non-business assets, like personal property sold for medical bills or relocation. He argued these sales lack profit intent and should not form a tax base, urging deletion of the clauses and a 6% withholding tax on purchases to avoid burdening ordinary citizens and stifling asset mobility.
On sugar, ICPAU recommended dropping or phasing in a Shs300 per kilogramme excise duty over three years, citing risks to local industries, smuggling, and vulnerable groups like the urban poor.
The institute welcomed withholding tax on entertainers’ payments but proposed raising it to 15% to boost revenue and formalize the creative sector.
ICPAU criticized the PAYE threshold increase as insufficient amid inflation, noting Uganda’s rates lag behind Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda, and called for regional harmonization to attract talent.
Opposition extended to a Shs200 per litre fuel tax hike, higher stamp duty on land from 1.5% to 3%, and other measures that could raise costs or hinder poor families. They suggested extending loss carry-forward to 10 years and lowering minimum tax.
While backing initiatives like higher VAT thresholds and arrears waivers, ICPAU emphasized balancing revenue goals with economic growth.
Source: Parliament of Uganda