Politics 19 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Parliament Finance Committee Split Over Excise Duties and Fuel Levies in Tax Bills
Tensions are rising in Uganda's Parliament Finance Committee between opposition and NRM members as they finalize reports on eight new tax bills, focusing on disputes over incomplete financial certificates and levies on essentials like fuel and cement. The proposals aim to boost the tax-to-GDP ratio but spark debate on rising living costs. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/divisions-emerge-in-parliament-committee-over-new-taxes-5429062
A rift has developed in the Parliament Finance Committee as it nears completion of its report on eight tax amendment bills, pitting opposition lawmakers against NRM members. The report is slated for tabling between April 21 and 24, following Speaker Anita Among’s deferral of debates.
Key bills under review include the Excise Duty (Amendment) Bill 2026, Income Tax (Amendment) Bill 2026, and Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill 2026, among others. Opposition figures like Shadow Finance Minister Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda and MP Karim Masaba flagged incomplete certificates of financial implication from the Ministry of Finance, demanding updated versions with three-year revenue projections. State Minister Henry Musasizi agreed to supply revised documents.
Debate intensified over the Excise Duty Bill, with MP Dickson Kateshumbwa backing taxes on cement and paint to make the real estate sector contribute more, citing road damage from heavy trucks. Conversely, MP Paul Omara opposed a proposed Shs200 fuel levy, linking it to recent pump price hikes amid speculation.
Musasizi justified the measures, targeting non-essentials like imported spirits—raising taxes to 80% or Shs3,500 per litre from 60% or Shs1,700—to grow the tax-to-GDP ratio to 20% medium-term and 25% long-term. He stressed funding for health, education, and job creation.
Proposed changes also feature PAYE exemptions up to Shs335,000 monthly income, higher duties on sugar, cooking oil, and motorcycles, plus new taxes on cooking fat and paints.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)