Bobi Wine pledges solidarity with traders’ protest against e-receipts
The leader of National Unity Platform (NUP) Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine has promised to stand in solidarity with traders protesting against what they say is unfair tax policies.
“As the business community in Uganda protests against prohibitive taxes, we continue to stand in solidarity with them,” Kyagulanyi stated on Monday.
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Last week a section of traders especially in Kikuubo locked down their shops in protest against the Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing System(EFRIS) implemented by Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).
The traders also expressed discontent over the inequities in the tax system, arguing that they are unfairly shouldering the tax burden.
On Monday, Kyagulanyi expressed support towards the traders’ grievances and said the current tax policies are unfair and immoral.
“What makes these taxes especially wrong and immoral, is that most of the money collected goes to the luxurious and extravagant lifestyle of Gen. Museveni, his family and cronies, and then another big portion is lost through unabated corruption,” the NUP president said.
Kyagulanyi said the high taxes have led to high commodity prices hence affecting the citizens.
The NUP principal’s remarks come hours after police said it had been informed that some politicians are hiring goons to attack Kampala traders who refuse to take part in the ongoing protests.
On Monday, Kampala Metropolitan deputy police spokesperson, Luke Owoyesigyire said the traders’ demonstrations are being orchestrated by politicians after last week’s unsuccessful efforts.
“We have got information that the planned demonstration entails closing shops and not allowing anyone open their shops. We have been informed that politicians have hired goons to beat up traders who don’t want to participate in the demonstration. The goons have been hired to beat whoever opens their shop during the demonstration,” Owoyesigyire.
Police warned against forcing those who don’t want to be part of the demonstration to open their shops.
“We warn those who plan to attack shops that we are ready for them," police said on Monday.
