The State Minister of Finance in charge of General Duties, Henry Musasizi, has refuted allegations that the government intends to tax coffee farmers based on the acreage of their gardens.
His statement addresses concerns raised by Bukomansimbi South MP, Kayemba Solo, who informed Parliament that officials from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) recently notified coffee farmers in Bukomansimbi district to prepare for potential taxes on their coffee gardens.
In a session led by Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, Solo called for clarification from the Ministry of Finance regarding any forthcoming taxation on coffee gardens.
In response, Minister Musasizi assured the House that the government has no such plans and distanced himself from individuals who allegedly claimed to be URA officials during their visit to Bukomansimbi.
He emphasized that farmers should not be concerned about taxes related to their coffee gardens.
Furthermore, Musasizi encouraged dialogue between farmers and government agencies to dispel misinformation and build trust, ensuring that farmers remain focused on their agricultural activities without the fear of unexpected financial burdens.
This commitment to transparent communication aims to foster a supportive environment for the vital coffee sector, which remains a significant contributor to Uganda’s economy.
By Francis Lubega
10th April 2025
END
