Uganda Roundup: Uganda and Kenya to merge cultures, laws to accommodate women, e-tax system

Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni speaks during a Reuters interview at his farm in Kisozi settlement of Gomba district, in the Central Region of Uganda, January 16, 2022. Picture taken January 16, 2022. REUTERS/Abubaker Lubowa/File Photo (L) and Kenya's President William Ruto speaks during the country's 60th Jamhuri Day or Independence Day at the Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi, Kenya, December 12, 2023. REUTERS/Monicah Mwangi/File Photo (R)

Source: X07299 (L) and X03917 (R)

Uganda and Kenya to merge cultures

Kenya and Uganda have agreed to merge cultures to increase tourism revenue. They aim to attract visitors by integrating dance, cuisine, and cultural activities. This decision follows a four-day trip by the Ugandan consulate to Mombasa. According to the Ugandan media Monitor, the consulate aims to expose Ugandan products to more Kenyan and international tourists. In 2023, 500,000 Kenyans visited Uganda and 200,000 Ugandans visited Kenya for business or tourism.

Laws to accommodate women

Uganda is part of a three-year research project focused on issues facing women in the creative industry. Outdated laws are seen as a barrier to women's success in the sector, and there is a call for these laws to be amended. The lack of research data is also a challenge, leading to the marginalisation of some sector actors. Media agency ItWeb explained that the project aims to gather evidence-based solutions to address these issues.

Traders protest

Kampala traders agree to reopen businesses after meeting with President Museveni regarding protests against the EFRIS system. President orders suspension of penalties and plans further consultations with technocrats and traders, Chim Reports indicated. The strike started on April 8, 2024, with the majority of downtown shops closed. Traders' leaders, including FUTA and KACITA, were present at the meeting.

E-tax system

Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni suspended the electronic tax collection system after traders protested. The suspension is meant to allow for further consultations on the issue. The new system was designed to reduce tax avoidance but has faced criticism from businesses, the Ugandan media Monitor reported. Discussions are set to continue on May 7.

Uganda Telcom contention

Executives from a foreign firm holding a majority stake in Uganda Telecom are visiting the country to resolve delays in taking over management of the national optic fibre network. Disagreements between bureaucrats threaten to derail a $225m injection into the company. The contention is over the transfer of management of the National Data Transmission Backbone Infrastructure and e-Governance Infrastructure. Business Insider Africa reported President Yoweri Museveni has been involved in the matter, directing that the management of the network be handed over to Uganda Telecom.

Believe Domor