Mafias at URA in Illegal Fertilizer Import Taxation – MP Macho
Parliamentarians sitting on the National Economy Committee were on Wednesday shocked when one of their members disclosed that there is a group of “mafias” in an illegal tax collection racket in the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) who he said levy undue taxes on imported goods exempted from paying tax.
The disclosure was made by Busia Municipality MP, Geoffrey Macho in a reaction to a report by Chin Piy Te, an executive of the Oil Palm Buvuma Ltd (OPBL), when the committee members were inspecting the OPBL nucleus centre in Busamuzi sub-county, Buvuma district.
Earlier while narrating hardships encountered by the OPBL in its activities, the General Manager Chin said that besides the uncompleted compensation of landlords and bibanja holders who sold their land to the project way back in 2010, there is the problem of high taxes imposed for importation of fertilizers, which he said in the long run it is to be felt by the small holder palm growers.
Elaborating, Chin said, “We have had no problems dealing with locals in Buvuma and Kalangala save for landowners and bibanja holders compensation which has not been forthcoming despite many promises from the top, in addition to taxes on imported fertilizers”.
Chin also said that life has been rendered very difficult to islanders because in addition to the unpaid compensation, they have been chased from the lake by the army where they used to catch ‘mukene’ for food and for cash, and that today many of their children have not returned to school for the final term.
The GM further told committee members that acquisition of the extra 2,476 hectares for expanding the nucleus garden to a tune of 5000 hectares as agreed between OPBL and government has been rendered impossible owing to the unsettled land compensation.
OPBL’s Chin presenting before the MPs.
Macho almost immediately shot up, took the floor, and disclosed that President Museveni ordered the lifting of some agricultural imports including palm oil fertilizers, and those in URA levying taxes on these products are ‘mafias’.
“There is a group of Mafias in the URA collecting illegal taxes, and the President is aware of them and that is why he keeps sacking URA officials and replacing them with those considered to be upright,” he said.
He added soldiers have chased fishermen from catching ‘mukene’ for food and for sale, and blamed this on unnamed people whom he said do not differentiate between ‘mukene’ and immature fish because they do not eat fish in their cultures.
“Government spies are here amongst us and I want them to hear this”, he said without elaborating.
Buvuma RDC Jackeline Birungi and her deputy Patrick Mubiru were both in attendance. Contacted over the delayed compensation to landowners and bibanja holders, RDC Birungi confirmed the matter and added that this issue had in the last round of elections cost the NRM many votes in Buvuma, and prayed that this time round, the government does all within its power to settle the debts.
MP Macho reacting.
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Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
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Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum