Kampala, Uganda | THE BLACK EXAMINER | Fish maw traders have filed a complaint with the Committee on Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries, expressing their concerns about what they view as excessive taxes.
Specifically, they are protesting against an eight percent export duty on each consignment of fish maw and a US$11 import duty on every kilogram of fish maw. They are also uncomfortable with the six percent withholding tax imposed on each sale of fish maw and have voiced their concerns about continued security personnel brutality on water bodies.
The Fish Maw and Traders Association Uganda Limited presented their petition on October 31, 2023, stating that the heavy tax burden has forced many traders out of the business. The association’s chairperson, Justus Ssennungi, highlighted that their membership had decreased due to unfavorable government policies, resulting in a drop in tax revenue.
The traders decried the numerous taxes imposed on them throughout the fishing, processing, and exporting process, which they found unfair and unrealistic. They compared the tax burden in Uganda to that in other East African countries, noting that Tanzania charges US$2.69 per kilogram of fish maw exported, while Kenya imposes no export tax. They requested a reduction in the export tax to US$2.5 per kilogram, a decrease in import duty from US$11 to US$2 per kilogram, and a reduction in the six percent withholding tax to a more manageable level.
They also called for a harmonized taxation system and the formulation of clear trade treaties and protocols with other East African trading partners.
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The committee chairperson, Hon. Janet Okori-Moe, mentioned challenges faced by fishermen due to the non-implementation of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2022. She also emphasized the need for oversight visits to landing sites and the urgency of implementing regulations related to the Fisheries Act.
Hon. Susan Mugabi, the Buvuma District Woman Representative, called for expedited action on the petition and the swift implementation of Fisheries Act regulations.
Lastly, Hon. Abed Bwanika, the Shadow Minister of Agriculture, urged the fish maw traders to provide additional information about the fish maw business to assist in processing the petition.
