By Damali Mukhaye
The deputy speaker of parliament Jacob Oulanya has attacked all those planning to run to court to block the newly introduced social media tax.
Speaking during the launch of the Uganda Law Society report on the rule of law in Kampala, Oulanya said the Shs72,000 annual social media levy is affordable to all Ugandans.
He said this is the first direct tax Ugandans are contributing to finance the country’s development and whoever is planning to challenge it in court is bound to hit a dead end.
Regarding the 1% levy on each Mobile Money transaction, Oulanya says such a small additional direct tax is not an abomination.
Earlier in the day, a group youth flanked by Members of parliament and local musicians have tasked the Prime Minister Dr Ruhakana Rugunda to have a motion moved in parliament to repeal the controversial social media and mobile money taxes.
Addressing journalists in Kampala, the youth led by a one Penelope Sanyu have tasked the Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga to recall legislators from recess to discuss the impact of these taxes and consequently abolish them.
Sanyu has also threatened to mobilize all Ugandans to oppose these taxes if government does not give them a convincing response by Friday 6th July.
The news conference was attended by among others; Kyadondo East Legislator Robert Kyagulanyi, Ntungamo Municipality’s Gerald Karuhanga and Musicians Alexander Bagonza popularly known as A-Pass and Hillary Kiyaga popularly known as Hilderman.