KAMPALA – The Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Matia Kasaija has tabled before Parliament, the five-tax bill proposal aimed at introducing new tax measures for the financial year 2020/2021.
The bills tabled on Tuesday, March 31 include the: Excise Duty Amendment bill 2020, Value Added Tax bill 2020, Income Tax Amendment bill 2020, Stamp Duty Amendment Bill 2020 and Appropriation Bill 2020.
During the same plenary sitting, the Shadow Ministers also laid before Parliament the alternative policy statements for the financial year 2020/2021.
Bernard Atiku (Ayivu County) wanted the approval budget halted until the Ministry of Finance introduces funds for the operalisation of the newly created cities but his ultimatum was rejected by fellow lawmakers saying the 2020/2021 budget should put focus on dealing with COVID19.
Abdu Katuntu (Bugweri County) rejected the move fronted by Atiku arguing that implementation of the new cities although is important, but it’s not an urgent matter as compared to the threat of COVID-19 pandemic crisis.
Katuntu said although he is one wishing to see the new cities take off, theit implementation should wait because their priority was overshadowed by the outbreak of corona virus.
He said that all the policy statement on the budget for the financial year should be reviewed to take consideration of the effects of the corona virus on the economy.
Veronica Bichetero (Kaberamaido County) moved a motion under Rule 16 of Parliament’s Rules of Procedure to suspend Rules 147 (2), 148 (2) and 148 (4) to allow expeditious processing of the national budget for FY 2020/2021 within two weeks.
Nandala Mafabi (Budadiri West) said that although it was crucial for Parliament to expedite the passing of the budget, so as to not spread of COVID19 within Parliament, there is need for Parliament to ensure thaf the tax proposals fronted by Government cater for the current crisis brought by COVID-19.
