Government Seeks Shs16 Billion Tax Waivers for Three Local Entities

The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development has formally requested parliamentary approval for tax waivers amounting to over Shs16.8 billion. These remissions are intended for three distinct entities experiencing significant financial distress.

The Uganda Printing and Publishing Corporation (UPPC) is seeking the largest portion, over Shs13 billion. The ministry’s submission highlights a severe decline in UPPC’s revenue, falling from Shs19 billion to Shs6 billion in recent years. This downturn is attributed to operational instability, an aging machinery that hampers productivity, and a substantial amount of overdue receivables, primarily from government entities with delayed payments. The company is also facing stiff competition from businesses on Nasser Road.

K-Roma Limited, a local manufacturer of Bella Wine, has requested a waiver of Shs1.8 billion. The company’s financial reports indicate a shrinking cash position and consistently negative net cash flows. According to the ministry, K-Roma attributes these difficulties to reduced sales following the COVID-19 pandemic and pressure to develop land in the Namanve Industrial Park, with potential withdrawal by the Uganda Investment Authority if development obligations are not met.

Ankole Western University is seeking a Shs1 billion tax waiver. The institution’s financial woes stem from a religious-political crisis in the Ankole Diocese between 2013 and 2015, which led to governance disruptions and parallel university councils. The university also suffered from lost public trust and the detrimental effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted operations, reduced student enrollment, and necessitated loan restructuring, compounding its financial burden.

During the parliamentary session, some Members of Parliament, including Hon. Ssewungu Gonzaga and Hon. Patrick Oshabe, raised concerns regarding the criteria and transparency of granting tax waivers. They called for a clear understanding of the qualification process and questioned why specific companies were selected. Minister of Finance, Hon. Henry Musasizi, assured Parliament that detailed information on waiver access would be provided. The Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa, subsequently referred the requests to the Committee on Finance for further consideration.

This information was presented to Parliament by the Minister for Finance, Hon. Henry Musasizi, on Tuesday, 14 July 2026. Source: Parliament of Uganda.