By Jimmy Muhumuza
Mbarara
Businessmen in Mbarara city have requested the committee of Trade, Tourism and Industry to consider their wish for two years tax holidays to allow them to revamp their business which has been badly hit by tough lockdown measures that were introduced by the government to reduce the spread of covid 19.
In the presentation that was submitted to the trade committee by Mr. Apolo Barya on behalf of other business communities under their Mbarara Business Club (MBC), they told the committee that they are in a situation where banks want to take their property due to accumulated loan earlier.
“Were in bad times even banks are about to come for us, when we received the city, all taxes were increased water and electricity bill also accumulated and now tenants want to forgive them rent which is hard as of now. Let the government intervene and help as we also look forward to help others”
Balya also submitted to the committee that the money in UDB bank has not helped them because its un was accessible.
“I have gone to DTB bank several times trying to access that money but it seems it is not put there for us because not a businessman in Mbarara have accessed it ever since it was established and we request the government to use other channels where we can easily access that money’’
Balya added that they are facing the issue of foreign investors from Indian who are fighting them as local traders because they are in the same business and they sell directly to consumers and yet they have business holidays.
“Government should establish a low on these foreign investors who come with their chip money from abroad and even give jobs to the locals and want to sale directly to the consumer. We want the committee to intervene on this issue at least for us we should be considered on tax holiday too.
Hon Davi Kalwanga has asked the chairperson to consider the matter as a serious one because they want to promote BUBU they will have to introduce a law that protects their local investors.
The committee has also interacted with Mbarara Garage operators who revealed that landlords, URA, and Municipal council should spare them at least four months to allow them to recover from bad times of lockdown
While others have told the committee to be among the people to be considered first on the issue of vaccination because they are also essential workers
The committee chairperson Hon Mwine Mpaka who doubles as Mbarara City South MP has promised to put their matters in the report that will be read on the flow of parliament such that they can have solutions for affected sectors.
The committee will proceed to Kyazanga district to meet other traders establish problems associated with traders in the district.
