Namisindwa District Council has approved new tax measures aimed at increasing local revenue. The council passed the proposal on Friday, which had been put forward by the district executive.

Fred Maina, the District Finance Secretary, presented the new tax policy, stating that it had been fully endorsed by the district executive and crafted with input from the technical team. He emphasized that every district is required to identify and expand its local revenue sources.

Under the new policy, notable taxes include a UGX 10,000 fee on each ‘Malwa’ and ‘Waragi’ drinking joint, UGX 50,000 for drug shops, UGX 150,000 for pharmacies, and UGX 250,000 for clinics. Additionally, guesthouse operators will pay UGX 200,000 annually, and new movement permits will be introduced for livestock, including UGX 5,000 for cows and UGX 3,000 for goats, sheep, and pigs.

However, Bwayo Emma, the Namisindwa Male Youth Councillor, voiced opposition to the new taxes, arguing that more consultation was needed to ensure public acceptance and compliance. He noted that the economic climate is already challenging for businesses, and many residents feel that they are not receiving value for the taxes they currently pay due to poor public services.

Munzaru Michael, a Malwa joint operator in Nambozo, also criticized the tax policy, saying that it was ill-timed. He explained that most businesses are struggling to stay afloat and urged district leaders to reconsider or postpone the implementation of the taxes.