Transporters ferrying goods through Namataba Town Council in Mukono district are voicing strong opposition to what they describe as unjustified and illegal taxes imposed on them.
The levies, which target transporters of food items like cassava, sweet potatoes, and firewood, are said to be contributing to an economic squeeze in the region.
These transporters, from areas such as Nagojje, Ntunda, and beyond, have warned that unless the taxes are stopped immediately, they will be forced to halt deliveries of essential goods to major markets in Namawojjolo, Namataba, Kayanja, Lugazi, and Mukono.
Frustrated Traders Speak Out
Seggwaanyi Maurisio, a cassava transporter, expressed his frustration, stating that the levies are undermining efforts to meet President Museveni’s call to boost household incomes.
“Despite our efforts to answer the President’s call for economic growth through initiatives like PDM, we are being held back by Namataba authorities,” Maurisio said.
Similarly, Blasio Buule, who transports firewood from Ntunda and Kyabazaala, shared his grievances, explaining that they pay between UGX 3,000 and UGX 7,000 per vehicle to unacknowledged revenue collectors.
Corruption, Environmental Impact
Behind the scenes, some anonymous sources within the town council suggest that the taxes are part of a personal revenue scheme by Namataba Town Clerk, Fred Katamba, which benefits only a few individuals.
“They are collecting money without issuing receipts and not depositing it in the council’s coffers. This seems to be an arrangement for personal gain,” one worker revealed.
Further raising alarms, environmentalists and local residents point out that taxing charcoal, firewood, and logs goes against presidential directives aimed at combating widespread deforestation in the area.
With climate change and dry spells already affecting the region, critics say that such actions will only worsen the environmental crisis.
Town Clerk Defends Actions
In response, Fred Katamba, the Town Clerk, defended the taxation as a necessary step to expand the revenue base for improving local services such as street lighting, garbage collection, and road maintenance.
He cited insufficient funding from the central government, explaining that the revenue is essential for the town’s development.
“With only UGX 4 million allocated from the central government for road funds, we must find alternative ways to fund services,” Katamba said.
He added that he does not benefit personally from this revenue collection, because it is supported by the central government. He however declined to show records supporting collection, banking and disbursement.
Katamba also acknowledged that the taxation of fuelwood and charcoal had been an error and was discontinued.
However, he warned that halting revenue collection would lead to a reduction in essential services provided to the community.
Call For Transparency
Despite Katamba’s defense, many traders and residents remain unconvinced, calling for greater transparency and an end to what they see as illegal practices.
As the situation continues to unfold, the people of Namataba are left questioning whether their town’s growth and environmental health can coexist under the current leadership.
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