Speaker Kadaga to Rule on Social Media Tax Bill Tomorrow

Speaker Rebecca Kadaga has promised to make a ruling on the proposed excise duty (amendment) bill 2018 in tomorrow’s parliamentary sitting.

Kadaga made the promise during a plenary session on Wednesday afternoon.

The said amendment imposes a Shs. 200/- daily tax on social media and 0.5% tax on every mobile money transaction.

This has since its passing received resistance and criticism from the populace, especially the youth who say it’s not only fair but interferes with their right to free speech.

Earlier in the morning, Kyadondo East legislator Robert Kyagulanyi led a peaceful protest against the said taxes although it was prematurely quashed by police.

Kyagulanyi would later raise the issue in parliament saying the demonstrations were peaceful although police came in to cause chaos.

Rugunda clarifies.

In his remarks, Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda said that President Museveni “has considered public concerns and proposed that a bill on the said tax is discussed in Parliament next week on Thursday.

Meanwhile, several legislators are wondering what will happen to the already collected money in case the tax is to be repealed.

Dokolo District Woman M.P Hon Cecilia Ogwal has asked government to refund people.

By publication time, the plenary session was still ongoing.

Moses Kayigwa