The Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) has warned against the endless increase in taxes on essential commodities like fuel, which they said will lead to high prices.
Addressing the media today at their headquarters in Bukoto, Alice Alaso, the national coordinator of ANT said in the end, the ordinary people are going to suffer.
In a raft of new tax proposals, government wants to levy Shs 1550 per litre on gasoline according to the Excise Duty Amendment Bill 2024 that was tabled before Parliament by the Ministry of Finance.
The proposed levy could have a snowball effect on the price opf other essential items like local food, which is normally transported from rural areas to urban markets.
She said instead of increasing the taxes on fuel, government should work towards widening the tax base to get more sources of revenue.
“This issue of milking a cow that is not fed is unacceptable,” she said referring to the narrow tax base which is always the victim of new taxes.
She said government can save resources by reducing public administrative positions and investing in productive sectors of the economy.
“Massive losses have been incured by poor Ugandans as a result of corrupt officials,” she said.
On simmering conflicts in political parties, Alaso advised organisations to strengthen themselves from within.
“Put a lot of strength and build yourselves within”. A
She said ANT will start the implementation of its five year strategic plan soon, with mobilisation activities in 10 districts.