Kabongoya decries tax burden on locals, calls for pro-people legislation
“These farmers are expected to repay the PDM funds, but how can they when their livelihoods are under constant threat from insecurity?” he posed.
Kyenjojo: Edward Kabongoya, former Tooro Kingdom Finance Minister and aspiring Member of Parliament for Mwenge Central on the NRM ticket, has voiced strong criticism of what he terms punitive tax policies that are worsening poverty in rural communities.
While addressing residents during a community engagement in Ntutu, Kyarusozi Sub County, Kabongoya accused lawmakers of putting personal interests above public welfare, and called for urgent reforms in taxation and economic policy.
“Many of our leaders in Parliament are only thinking about their stomachs passing laws that torment local people, like the property rates tax, which doesn’t consider business returns and has no clear regulatory framework,” Kabongoya told residents.
He specifically pointed out property rates and income tax policies that affect small businesses and startups, arguing they are counterproductive to government poverty eradication efforts, particularly under initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM).
PDM Funds Nullified by Taxes
Kabongoya questioned the logic of distributing PDM funds to households typically around UGX 1 million only for the same households to lose that money through taxation and regulatory penalties.
“President Museveni is making serious efforts to eradicate poverty, but what is the use of giving a household one million shillings through PDM, only for it to go back to the government in form of taxes?” he asked. “The locals are left with nothing and, worse still, are expected to repay the funds.”
In addition to economic concerns, Kabongoya raised alarms over the growing insecurity in Kyarusozi Sub County, where residents reportedly sleep in the same shelters as their animals for fear of theft.
“These farmers are expected to repay the PDM funds, but how can they when their livelihoods are under constant threat from insecurity?” he posed.
Currently serving as a district councilor representing workers in the Kyenjojo District Council, Kabongoya pledged to champion tax reforms that prioritize rural economic growth, small business development, and community safety if elected to Parliament.
“We need legislation that works for the people—not against them. My focus will be to create a favorable environment where small-scale entrepreneurs and rural communities can thrive without being strangled by taxes,” he vowed.
As the 2026 general elections draw closer, Kabongoya’s message is resonating with voters who feel left behind by existing tax structures and policies.
Do you have an advertisement or article you want to publish? Mail us at theugreports@gmail.com or WhatsApp +256757022363.
