Summary:
- Chris Nkwatsibwe, Head of Governance and Civic Engagement at UNNGOF, disclosed that they have begun discussions with the government on the need to create a policy regulating generous giving in Uganda.
KAMPALA: Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) engaged in philanthropy are urging the government to exempt them from taxes as a means to stimulate local generosity.
This appeal was on Friday made at a symposium for journalists, communication experts, and civil society representatives organized by the Uganda National NGO Forum (UNNGOF) in collaboration with CivSource Africa at Royal Suites Hotel, Bugolobi, Kampala.
The Uganda National NGO Forum represents over 700 NGOs operating across various sectors in the country.
Chris Nkwatsibwe, Head of Governance and Civic Engagement at UNNGOF, disclosed that they have begun discussions with the government on the need to create a policy regulating generous giving in Uganda. Their demands include tax exemptions for charitable activities.
He noted that on Thursday, they met with officials from various agencies within the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, where the government expressed a willingness to gradually reduce the tax burden on NGOs involved in philanthropy.
“However, we maintain that this change is long overdue, as NGOs have significantly contributed to supporting the national economy. Why should we face obstacles in our operations?” Nkwatsibwe questioned.
CUE IN NKWATSIBWE…..ON TAX EXEMPTIONS……ENG//
Robert Ninyesiga, Program Coordinator for Philanthropy for Development at UNNGOF, expressed frustration over the bureaucratic hurdles and high costs associated with NGO registration and obtaining operational licenses.
“The government has institutionalized generosity, but to engage in charitable work, we often have to traverse the country in search of registration requirements. This incurs significant expenses, leading many to abandon the process altogether,” Ninyesiga stated.
CUE IN NINYESIGA…..ON BUREAUCRACY……ENG//
Meanwhile, Ms. Jacqueline Asiimwe, Executive Officer of CivSource Africa and Chairperson of the East African Philanthropy Network (EAPN), emphasized the importance of media involvement in documenting local philanthropic acts. She aims to reshape the narrative that Africa, particularly Uganda, relies solely on foreign donations.
“We have numerous local philanthropists making significant contributions, amounting to billions of shillings, yet their stories remain untold. We urge the media to partner with us in highlighting these narratives to stimulate more local generosity,” she asserted.
CUE IN ASIIMWE….ON LOCAL GIVERS…..ENG//
