The newly elected leaders of Busiika Town Council in Luweero District have warned residents and business operators against tax evasion, saying they will not engage in corruption or accept bribes to protect tax defaulters.
Speaking shortly after assuming office, the LCIII Chairperson of Busiika Town Council, William Magambo, said local taxes remain critical for service delivery and the development of the town council.
“We are not going to entertain corruption in the collection of taxes because this money helps the town council run its activities and improve services,” Magambo said.
He stressed that his administration would not tolerate illegal dealings aimed at helping tax defaulters evade their obligations.
“Some people think leaders can be called privately and persuaded to reduce taxes or ignore defaulters, but that is not why we came into office,” he added.
Magambo specifically warned property owners who fail to pay property tax, saying action would be taken against all defaulters without fear or favour.
“You construct a building worth Shs300 million but want to pay only Shs40,000 in tax. And when you are caught, you start calling leaders asking them to shield you after giving them something. Why not pay the tax at once and avoid inconveniences?” he said.
The chairperson also appealed to traders who have been complaining about the ongoing trade order enforcement policy that removed vendors from roadside spaces to remain patient, saying the arrangement was already yielding positive results within the town council.
“The trade order policy is intended to improve order and cleanliness in Busiika, and we are already seeing some benefits from it,” Magambo explained.
Among the key challenges affecting Busiika Town Council, the leaders highlighted the persistent shortage of clean water, which they pledged to prioritize during their term in office.
Councillor Amos Kayingo said the new leadership was committed to working with relevant authorities to address the water crisis affecting residents.
“We understand that water scarcity is a serious problem affecting our people, and as leaders we are committed to working with the relevant authorities to ensure this issue is resolved,” Kayingo said.
The leaders further called on residents to cooperate with the town council in implementing development programmes aimed at improving sanitation, revenue collection, and public service delivery.
