Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) President, Patrick Oboi Amuriat, has voiced concern over Uganda’s Revenue Authority system, citing the current tax regime as a factor driving traders out of business.
Speaking at a press conference held at the FDC headquarters, Amuriat expressed solidarity with traders facing challenges due to the implementation of the Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing Solution (EFRIS).
While acknowledging the potential importance of the system, Amuriat criticized its rushed enforcement without adequate stakeholder sensitization and infrastructure support.
He highlighted traders’ frustration with EFRIS, citing exposure to double taxation and heavier tax burdens, including previously undisclosed taxes like withholding tax, income tax, and VAT. Amuriat noted a significant closure of businesses, with over 200,000 affected.
Amuriat also condemned Uganda’s tax regime as unjustly higher than that of neighboring countries, threatening to join traders in protest if the government fails to address their concerns.
Warning of potential action, he stated, “If this mistreatment continues, we shall not hesitate to join the traders, not just with words but with actions.”
Additionally, Amuriat criticized Uganda’s escalating debt burden, attributing economic challenges to government mismanagement of finances.
