The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has proposed to the parliament on its intention to introduce a tax on data bundles, known as “DATA BUNDLE TAX” in a move that will see Ugandans pay taxes on every data bundle they purchase.
“This is a clear threat targeting the presidential elections come 2021 because the internet has become a discussion board and an advisory platform for the opposition so the ruling party is threatened.” Said an activist from Uganda.
On July 1, 2018, the taxman in Uganda introduced a tax for social media platforms. The tax is known as “Over The Top Tax” or OTT tax in Uganda despite widespread criticism within and without the country.
The government claimed that these measures would bring in much-needed revenue but activists described it as an attempt to ‘gag’ free speech.
Analysts say the government of strongman Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is afraid of the rate at which political ideas were being shared via social media, leading to the strengthening of young politicians such as Bobi Wine.
READ: Facebook Carries The Day With Most Downloaded Apps Of The Decade
However, like it’s stated, “When you over squeeze your nose it surely bleeds”. The deeply oppressed Ugandans discovered the VPN APP which freely grants easy access to the internet minus payment of OTT. The government was challenged but did not rest.
“OTT is not working for Ugandans anymore due to the use of VPN, my suggestion is the introduction of a data bundle based tax so as to meet our goal of the desired tax,” Doris Akol said.
“URA has come to such a resolution because the government has given tax holidays to big companies where revenue needs to be collected.” Doris Akol.
So to cut the long story short Uganda revenue Authority is a complete joke, the tax could still be collected in other sectors other than invading the INTERNET once again.
READ: Here Are 5 SME Investment Opportunities In The Land Of Matoke
Written By Nsunjo Erica