MASAKA. Masaka Catholic Diocese Bishop,John Baptist Kaggwa has criticised the newly introduced social media and mobile money taxes, saying they are affecting low income earners.
Pointing out social media tax, the prelate advised government to suspend the Shs200 daily tax and instead levy it weekly.
“Our poor people have been burdened by the new taxes. It is only government officials and rich people who can afford paying these exorbitant taxes,” he said.
The Shs200 daily social media tax and 1 percent on mobile money took effect July 1, but both taxes have since raised uproar among Ugandans with majority saying they are unjustifiable.
This prompted President Museveni last Wednesday to order reduction of Mobile Money tax by half, saying what Parliament passed was totally different from the 0.5 percent endorsed by Cabinet.
However, the President maintained that the social media tax will remain as it is, insisting that social media is a luxury and has to attract a levy.
The bishop made the remarks during celebrations to mark St. Henry’s College Kitovu (SHACK) 96th anniversary on Saturday.
A total of eight old students ranging from those who studied at the college since the early 1920s, when it was started were given accolades for the exemplary work they have been doing for Uganda.
Those awarded include; Dr Joseph Mary Bukenya, Mr Daniel Kazibwe a.k.a Ragga Dee, Prof. Francis Musangogwantamu, Mr Joseph Muwonge, Mr Thobani N. Mohamood, Mr Joseph Kawuki, Mr Gerald Mutebi Mulwanira Majjela and Mr Lawerence Senkubuge.
One long serving staff, Ms Margaret Ms Zawedde and an exceptional old girl Ms Mary Benadette Birabwa Semanobe also received awards.
Lt. Gen. Wilson Mbadi, the deputy Chief of Defense Forces, who represented the minister for Security Gen. Elly Tumwine, as Chief Guest, congratulated the college staff for maintaining high standards at the college over the years.
“I am an old boy here and I am profound to applause my school for excelling both academically, socially and infrastructure wise.
I’m happy to inform the gathering that last year 96 percent of O’ level students got first grades and 32 students out of 100 students who sat for Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education got government scholarships,” Gen. Tumwine said in a statement read for him by Lt. Gen Mbadi.
Br. Augustine Mugabo, the college head teacher called upon old students, staff and all well-wishers to continue supporting the college.
He expressed the need to expand the science laboratories which are currently too small to accommodate the increasing number of students.
