By Aggrey Baba
Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, has expressed concern over the continued unfair treatment of small-scale rice traders at Mutukula border in Kyotera District.
While addressing Parliament, on Thursday, Tayebwa said his office received a petition from the traders two years ago, explaining how some individuals, mainly powerful people in government and business, register companies claiming to be in the rice trade, yet they are not traders.
These companies receive tax exemptions and later go to the border to collect taxes from the actual small-scale traders on behalf of government.
“There is too much unfairness in this country. Sometimes I ask myself, where do we want these people to go?” Tayebwa said, showing sympathy for the traders’ situation.
He explained that even when some traders try to operate on their own, it becomes very hard because 6% of their earnings is already deducted, leaving them with no choice but to trade through these companies.
Tayebwa noted that the matter had earlier been sent to the Parliamentary Trade Committee and was reportedly resolved. However, he said the same problem has returned, and the traders continue to suffer.
“This situation is depressing. These are poor Ugandans trying to make a living. They should not be taken advantage of. They are really going through a lot,” he added.
He went ahead and revealed how these Mafias are protected by the law, making it difficult for the poor traders to be helped. “You can’t even touch them. Each time you try to stop them, they run to court and get court injunctions. Even URA defends them.” Stay tuned for details! (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
