NATIONAL: President Museveni has taken decisive action following discussions with traders’ leadership, directing the suspension of Uganda Revenue Authority’s Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing Solution (EFRIS) implementation and associated penalties. The move aims to facilitate broader consultations on the matter.
The president’s directive came after engaging with traders from Kampala and upcountry districts at State House Entebbe on Friday, April 19, 2024. The focal point of the discussions was the taxation framework affecting their businesses, notably the EFRIS system.
This meeting was prompted by a recent strike where traders shuttered their businesses to protest against the implementation of EFRIS by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).
During the deliberations, President Museveni assured the traders of forthcoming consultations. He announced plans to meet with technocrats from the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, along with URA, on April 24, 2024, to delve into the concerns raised.
Additionally, President Museveni committed to a subsequent meeting with all traders on May 7, 2024, at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds. He expressed his intent to thoroughly research and consult with experts before addressing the traders’ grievances.
President Museveni also instructed URA to halt the issuance and recovery of penalties during this period of consultation. In response, the traders agreed to reopen their businesses while maintaining ongoing dialogue with the government.
“In the meantime, I have directed that URA refrain from issuing penalties and recovering any penalties that have already been issued, but taxpayers must continue to pay their taxes as usual. It is good they have agreed to open up their businesses as we continue to find solutions to the issues raised,” remarked President Museveni.
