Former Minister of Agriculture Victoria Sekitoleko has advised the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development on how to get additional taxes from the youth in order to increase government revenue.
She made these remarks while at the Serena Hotel in Kampala on Thursday, August 24, 2023, during the 7th High Level Economic Growth Forum aimed at strengthening Uganda’s competitiveness efforts to foster economic growth, organised by the Ministry of Finance.
Sekitoleko, who is best known for her agricultural expertise, shifted her concern to how the youth can contribute to the collection of more taxes since they are the ones in the music industry.
“If you were to be asked, where are all the youths now? Most of them are in the innovation and creative sectors, but they are never mentioned. Is there any reason why nobody ever talks about the music in this country? Sekitoleko queried.
She referenced Alien Skin’s (Ugandan Musician) concert at Freedom City, stating that the thousands of tickets bought could be taxed to increase government revenue.
“Recently, when there was this new singer, Alien Skin, at Freedom City, people were fighting to pay, and every ticket brings taxes, but nobody has ever thought of planning for those youths where they perform,” she added.
“If you are looking for taxes, it is musicians who can collect a lot of tax in just one day. But somehow, when we talk, we come to these high-level meetings; we pretend they are not there; we don’t mention them; we don’t plan for them,” she stressed.
Sekitoleko added that the government could increase its tax base by taxing venues, such as Lugogo Cricket Oval and Kololo Independence Grounds, where music concerts are held.
During the forum, she lamented the current tax system, which she states is depleting the populace, particularly those in the agribusiness industry. She questioned where and how the ministry arrived at the 20% presumptive tax on all enterprises, as well as how they determine who to charge and who not to charge.
However, she appreciated the Ministry of Finance for not coming up with new taxes amidst international funding cuts.
The forum was attended by ministers, government departments, agencies, and members of the private sector.
