Legislators on the Committee of Finance have questioned the manner and criteria the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA)is using to extend tax waivers to companies and individuals.

While appearing before the committee, the State Minister for Finance (General Duties), Hon. Henry Musasizi said the tax waivers will be extended to eight organisations which include academic institutions and business entities.

Musasizi was appearing before the committee on Tuesday, 20 August 2024.  

Among the companies under review by the committee is M/S J2E Investment Corporation Limited which is seeking a tax waiver worth Shs2.718 billion as at 01 December 2023, accounting for interest accumulated.

M/S J2E Investment Corporation is carrying out works at Kawewe6a Military Training Barracks.

The minister revealed that in December 2019, the Defence Ministry requesting for the waiver.

“This is because during the implementation of the works, the contractor faced investigations from the Inspector General of Government and suspended all works and payments from Ministry of Defence. This resulted in penalties and interest,” Musasizi said.

Hon. Patrick Ocan (UPC, Apac Municipality) said the absence of audited accounts and articles of association for the company made it questionable to grant a waiver.

“Today, the minister has presented to us non-existent companies. If they are existent, I am sure the minister can provide the necessary documents for this company. How can we process a waiver for a company that is not known? How do we ascertain reputation and credibility?” Ocan asked.

AUDIO Ocan

Kira Municipality MP, Hon. Ibrahim Ssemujju and Hon. Maximus Ochai (NRM, West Budama County North) put the minister and URA to task on the procedures that were followed in granting tax waivers to selected companies.

Hon. Jane Pacuto (NRM, Pakwach District Woman Representative) wondered on why the companies were granted a 100 per cent tax waiver.

“I need a clarification on whether or not, an entity or individual must meet all the criteria or part of the criteria, to qualify for a waiver. The minister also chose to waive 100 per cent and I want to know why they chose to go that direction,” Pacuto noted.

AUDIO Pacuto

Sarah Chelangat, the Commissioner Domestic Taxes at URA said applications for tax waivers are received and assessed on a case by case basis adding that companies are granted a grace period within which to pay the tax.

“We also look at the big picture in terms of the impact of this business on the community it serves. Businesses like universities employ families, so we consider that if this company gets a relief, it can continue paying more tax in the near future,” Chelangat said.

She also clarified on the matter of audited accounts.

“When a tax payer is doing a self-assessment return, they normally summarise all their account information in their tax returns. Sometimes, assess based on third party information whereby if you work with a ministry, we can get the information from that ministry,” Chelangat added.

AUDIO Chelangat

The Committee Chairperson, Hon. Amos Kankunda, asked the minister and URA to present the requisite information on M/S J2E Investment Corporation Limited to the committee before a final report is made on its waiver.

Other individuals listed for a tax waiver are Donati Kananura, who as at 12 September 2023 sought a waiver on rental income tax amounting to Shs1.69 billion and a waiver on Value Added Tax amounting to Shs2.08 billion.

Legislators noted that grounds on which URA granted the tax waivers including health and advanced age were not justifiable.

“I want to withdraw Donati Kananura from my list so that we limit debate on the matter. We will find another way of rescuing him,” Musasizi responded.

The other entities presented before the committee for tax waivers included M/S Nicontra Limited, Busoga University, Nkumba University, Makerere Business Institute, Kisiizi Hospital Power Limited, and Mr. Peter Lokwang, a dealer in limestone mining in Moroto District.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

Following the National Dialogue’s submission of recommendations regarding pretrial detention and criminal justice to the President of the Republic:

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi directed the referral of the recommendations to the government and the swift implementation of the necessary procedures to effectuate the agreed-upon recommendations, in response to the diverse and specialized discussions of the National Dialogue.

President El-Sisi confirmed: “My response to the recommendations of the National Dialogue emerges from a sincere desire to implement the provisions of the Egyptian Constitution and the National Strategy for Human Rights.”

The President emphasized the need to reduce the maximum duration of pretrial detention and to maintain its nature as a precautionary measure required by the necessity of investigation, rather than allowing it to become a punitive measure. President El-Sisi underscored the necessity to implement the various alternatives to pretrial detention, stressing the importance of material and moral compensation and reparations for those subjected to wrongful pretrial detention.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

The Football Foundation for Africa (FFA) (https://FootballFoundation.Africa/) is proud to announce South African Airways (SAA) as the (official) airline partner for the Africa Football Business Summit 2024, taking place in Nairobi on 24-25 October 2024.

The summit will bring together key stakeholders, industry leaders, and football enthusiasts from across the globe to explore the intersection of football, business, and social impact.

Through SAA’s codeshare agreement with Kenyan Airways, participants in the Business Summit are expected to have access to discounted international, regional and domestic airfares when travelling to and from Nairobi.

SAA Regional Manager, East Africa and Middle East, Dr Austin Nyawara, said, “Sustainable and cost-effective air travel is a crucial ingredient in the growth of the sports economy across Africa. As we bring together stakeholders from all corners of the continent for the Summit in Nairobi, we are thrilled to offer delegates up to a 15 per cent discount on SAA’s already competitive prices. This partnership underscores our shared commitment to connecting and uniting Africa—an endeavour that SAA has championed through its tagline, “Connecting Africa One Flight at a Time.”

As the proud flag carrier of South Africa, SAA has just celebrated a significant milestone—90 years of service—solidifying its status as one of the oldest and most resilient airlines in the world.

Football, much like air travel, has the power to unite people and communities across Africa. This partnership with SAA aligns perfectly with the broader FFA agenda of fostering connections and driving socio-economic development through football.

SAA’s rich history of investing in sports, including its past sponsorship of South Africa’s Springboks and its recent partnership with the South African Football Association as the official carrier of the national football teams, makes it an ideal partner for the Africa Football Business Summit.

“We look forward to working closely with SAA not only during the Summit but also in the future as we strive to create a sustainable and thriving sports economy across Africa,” concluded Brian Wesaala, founder and CEO of The Football Foundation for Africa.

Book your flight to the Africa Football Business Summit here. https://apo-opa.co/3YSWfS1

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Football Foundation for Africa.

Note to Editors:
The Africa Football Business Summit 2024 will be held at the Weston Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya. It will bring together key stakeholders in football, sports business, and social innovation from across Africa and beyond.

For more information, please contact:
Brian Wesaala
Founder&CEO
afbs@footballfoundation.africa
https://AFBS.FootballFoundation.Africa

About South African Airways (SAA):
South African Airways is the national airline of South Africa, with a rich history of 90 years in aviation. SAA is committed to delivering exceptional customer experiences and connecting Africa to the world with safety, reliability, and excellence.

About The Football Foundation for Africa (FFA):
The Football Foundation for Africa is dedicated to unlocking Africa’s youth potential through the power of football. Through initiatives like the Africa Football Business Summit, FFA seeks to drive social innovation, economic development, and unity across the continent.

The Canon Academy Juniors programme (www.Canon-CNA.com) believes in teaching our youth to empower them and give them confidence by fostering a new hobby and developing their creative skills; The Canon Photography Studio at KidZania Cairo, open since April 2024, has welcomed over 7,300 visitors (3,200+ male, 4,000+ female aged 8-14), with its kiosk selling 5,500+ prints.

Imagine your child, eyes sparkling with curiosity, stepping into a world where they’re not just playing, but learning and creating. That’s the magic of Canon Photography Studio at KidZania Cairo where this summer, young minds can experience a unique opportunity to explore the world of photography.

It’s no secret that kids are natural-born explorers, always eager to discover new worlds. The Canon Photography Studio at KidZania Cairo offers them a unique opportunity to do just that, through the lens of a camera. This innovative space is more than just a play area; it’s a creative playground where young minds are nurtured and inspired.

Building upon the success of the Canon Academy Juniors programme, the studio is designed with 8-14-year-olds in mind and is equipped with state-of-the-art Canon technology, making complex photography concepts accessible and fun. From understanding the nuances of lighting and composition to mastering the art of capturing the perfect shot, children will embark on a thrilling journey of discovery.

Beyond fun, the Canon Photography Studio is a platform for skill development. Children are immersed in a real-world environment where they learn by doing. By handling professional equipment, experimenting with different settings, and facing creative challenges, they develop essential skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and attention to detail.

But it’s not just about technical skills. The Canon Photography Studio is also about fostering imagination and self-expression. Kids can experiment with different camera settings, experiment with angles, and let their creativity run wild. And when they’re done, they can proudly display their masterpieces, thanks to the Canon printer on-site.

Canon and KidZania Cairo have joined forces to create a unique learning experience. By combining Canon’s expertise in imaging technology with KidZania’s immersive environment, they’re providing children with a fantastic opportunity to explore their creativity and develop valuable skills.

While kids are busy unleashing their inner photographers, parents can relax knowing their children are engaged in a stimulating and educational activity. The Canon Photography Studio is designed to be a fun and safe space for kids to explore, while parents can enjoy the opportunity to capture memorable moments through the studio’s branded photo opportunities. The Canon kiosk offers a convenient way to purchase photos and souvenirs, with 5,500+ prints already sold, making it a win-win for everyone.

“We believe that fostering a love for photography at a young age is essential for nurturing creativity and innovation,” said B2C Business Unit Director, Rashad Ghani. “Our partnership with KidZania Cairo allows us to provide children with a hands-on experience that sparks their imagination and inspires them to explore the world through a lens.”

The numbers speak for themselves. Since its opening in April 2024, the Canon Photography Studio has welcomed over 7,300+ visitors, including a notable 3,200+ young male visitors aged 8-14 and 4,000+ female visitors from the same age group. It’s consistently ranked among the top attractions at KidZania Cairo, proving that kids are absolutely loving this opportunity to learn and play.

So, this summer, why not give your child the gift of creativity? Let them step into the shoes of a professional photographer, explore the world through a new lens, and create memories that will last a lifetime. The Canon Photography Studio at KidZania Cairo is more than just a visit; it’s an adventure that will ignite their imagination and spark a lifelong passion for photography.

Are you ready to unlock your child’s inner photographer? Join our Summer Camp at KidZania Cairo before it ends on September 12th.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).

Media enquiries, please contact: 
Canon Central and North Africa
Mai Youssef
e. Mai.youssef@canon-me.com

APO Group – PR Agency
Rania ElRafie
e. Rania.ElRafie@apo-opa.com

About Canon Central and North Africa: 
Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (www.Canon-CNA.com) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2016 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon’s business within the Africa region – by strengthening Canon’s in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon’s commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market.

Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa’s rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa.

Canon’s corporate philosophy is Kyosei (https://apo-opa.co/4dvE5ds) – ‘living and working together for the common good’. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon’s products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better.

For more information: www.Canon-CNA.com