Citizens to pay tax for using social media

The Ugandan Parliament has passed a bill which will ensure that people using social media platforms in the country pay taxes.

The country will start implementing the law on July 1, 2018.

The new Excise Duty (Amendment) Bill will also impose other taxes, including a 1% levy on the total value of mobile money transactions. However, civil society groups have warned that this move will make the poor poorer since they hardly use banking services.

The government of Uganda led by President Yoweri Museveni had pushed for the changes, arguing that social media encouraged gossip.

State Minister for Finance David Bahati said the tax increases were important to help Uganda pay off its growing national debt.

However, it is unclear how authorities will be able to identify Ugandans accessing social media sites.

But the President has indicated that they will not tax internet data because it helps in research and education.

In March this year, Mr Museveni wrote a letter to the Finance Minister Matia Kasaija pushing for the social media law.

He explained that the revenue collected by the social media tax would help the country "cope with consequences of Olugambo [gossiping]".

Many have argued that the law would curtail freedom of expression.

However, Mr Kasaija said the government is only getting the money to improve infrastructure.

Citizens to pay tax for using social media

The Ugandan Parliament has passed a bill which will ensure that people using social media platforms in the country pay taxes.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Recommended articles

We’re not repainting and changing public schools’ uniforms – Education Ministry

IGP calls for patriotism, maturity and love for humanity in December polls

President Akufo-Addo commissions 15MW Solar Power Plant in Kaleo

Despite $40 million in my account, MBA lecturers still failed me - McDan recounts

You were also accused of recruiting NDC members to the Commission – EC replies Mahama

Citizens offered free beer, taxi rides, health check-ups to boost voter turnout

Group hints at organizing Dumsor Vigil in Accra over erratic power cuts

Parents will soon beg for their children to enrol in public basic schools -Dr Osei- Adutwum

Government rebrands public basic schools, set to change brown and yellow uniforms