The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has ordered an imposition of tax on Bibles, Qur’an, hymn books and prayer books; religious groups would pay taxes as well henceforth.
Religious leaders and clerics across all faith-based groups yesterday expressed shock and disappointment on the new proposal, insisting that such religious materials should be tax-free since they are for the spiritual nourishment of the people.
The commissioner general of the URA, Ms Doris Akol disagree with that position saying that exempting tax on any spiritual material- bibles, hymn book, prayer book or Qur’an is an anomaly
Church of Uganda Archbishop, Stanley Ntagali had, challenged the proposal a month earlier but Ms Akol remains adamant. She noted that even though there has been no tax imposition in the past, it was an anomaly and government has made the decision to place a tax on religious materials.
“We understand that Value-Added Tax (VAT) has in the past not been paid on the said Bibles, prayer books and hymn books.” her April 19 letter read.
Photo Credit: Daily Monitor
