MPs do not regret social media, mobile money tax; 'It is too little'

A section of members of Parliament who supported the now controversial social media and Mobile Money tax have said they don’t regret their decision on the tax in spite of the public cries against it.

They said that at this critical time, the country needs to reduce on the foreign borrowing and depend more on domestic revenue if general service delivery is to be realized.

Though before the reading of the National budget for the financial year 2018/19, parliament passed nine new tax bills, the new tax on the social media and Mobile Money has become a public concern with a section of activist seeking court redress against the tax.

But to some members of parliament; Isamel Orot and James Waluswaka, their decision is not regrettable.

“I have no regrets by the way because it is very convenient to collect this tax, I have just sent Shs300,000 for someone to represent me at burial,” Ismael Orot, MP Kanyum County.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjXPe7Kg064

“In Butaleja we have not yet complained, even right now I have lost one of my key relatives I want to send mobile money, because if it is expensive, going to Butleja using my car is Shs200,000 and Shs30000 by taxi, so if I send mobile money is its cheaper no matter the tax,” James Waluswaka, MP Bunyole West.

However, to some other legislators the electorates are hard on them and are now calling an urgent review on the now controversial tax.

MP for Butemba , Pentagon Tumusiime argues that he is disappointed with the tax since it is affecting the people in villages.

Jacob Oulanya (Kilak County) said that members of parliament committed to gravest mistake ever.

To the Director of communication at Parliament Chris Obore for the public to fault legislators is wrong as different stakeholders shunned appearing before the finance committee to give in their contribution about the now controversial tax.

Obore is however asking electorates to address their voices to their legislators in case they aggrieved with the social media tax

Even with the continued concerns from the public about the controversial social media tax, parliament can only handle the matter after their three week recess.