Politics 3 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
JEEMA Slams Budget Tax Proposals for Ignoring Ordinary Ugandans' Needs
Uganda's Justice Forum (JEEMA) has criticized the government's upcoming budget for proposed tax hikes on PAYE, fuel, and essentials like cooking oil, arguing they burden citizens amid high living costs and fail to broaden the tax base. The party warns these measures will deepen poverty, inflate prices, and harm key economic initiatives. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/ordinary-citizens-needs-not-addressed-in-new-budget-proposals-jeema-5412762
The Justice Forum (JEEMA), an opposition party, has strongly opposed the government’s tax proposals in the national budget, stating they place undue strain on everyday Ugandans.
JEEMA reviewed plans to raise Pay As You Earn (PAYE) taxes, fuel levies, and charges on basic goods like cooking oil. They highlighted Uganda’s low tax-to-GDP ratio of around 14%, well below regional norms, signaling a limited tax base.
Dr. Swaib Nsereko, the party’s spokesperson, emphasized their commitment to social justice, rejecting policies that add to citizens’ woes during inflation. He cautioned that higher PAYE without wage increases hampers productivity, while fuel tax rises will drive up transport and food costs.
The proposals, JEEMA argues, could undermine the Buy Uganda, Build Uganda (BUBU) initiative and investments in oil projects like the Hoima refinery. They see a contradiction in pushing alternative energy while hurting local oil markets, urging prioritization of national interests over private gains.
JEEMA called for stakeholder consultations before budget approval, stressing that Ugandans accept fair taxes that mirror their realities and foster shared growth.
Source: Daily Monitor