Truck Drivers Protest High Taxes in Rukungiri Municipality

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Summary:

• However, Tagobya Prosper, Deputy Town Clerk of Rukungiri Municipality, told our reporter that these taxes are collected by an association of truck owners called Forwards.

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RUKUNGIRI: A section of truck drivers is protesting high taxes in Rukungiri Municipality.

Nyesiga Felex, a truck driver at Nabugabo stage, explained that they pay 44,000 UGX monthly as a tax for loading and offloading within the municipality. He criticized the Rukungiri municipal council for imposing these taxes without prior notice.

Atuheire Gerard, a resident of Nyamayenje who works at the same stage, complained that they pay high taxes but receive no benefits. He mentioned that the municipality neglects cleaning their area, leading to unsafe conditions. Recently, a fellow worker was bitten by a snake and is now admitted to Kisizi Hospital.

Tumuhigwe Ezera, an on-and-off loader from Mukarere, and Akankwasa Edison, a resident of Nyamayenje, also voiced their concerns. They suggested that the municipality should provide services such as street lights, security guards, and cleaners in return for the taxes they pay.

The drivers have appealed to the Resident District Commissioner, Town Mayor, and Town Clerk to address their issues and consider reducing the taxes by the start of the next financial year.

CUE IN TRUCK DRIVERS…..ON TAX…….RR//

However, Tagobya Prosper, Deputy Town Clerk of Rukungiri Municipality, told our reporter that these taxes are collected by an association of truck owners called Forwards. He explained that they agreed with the contractor to pay 44,000 UGX monthly instead of 10,000 UGX daily, which would total 300,000 UGX monthly. He added that the truck drivers have been paying these taxes for almost five years, and he does not understand why they are now complaining.

CUE IN TAGOBYA…….ON TRUCK DRIVERS……….RR/ENG//

Alex Karugaba, the Revenue Officer for Rukungiri Municipality, stated that the truck drivers should be grateful for the relatively low tax compared to the inflation and services provided by the government. He mentioned that the government is considering revising the tax and increasing it, as the drivers currently pay less and receive more services than their taxes cover.

CUE IN KARUGABA…..ON TRUCK DRIVERS……RR/ENG//