Kampala: Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) commissioner for Customs Dickson Kateshumbwa has said Tourism vehicles will be imported on duty free taxes starting the coming financial year.
Presenting Amendments to the East African Customs Management Tax in Kampala, Mr Kateshumbwa said the move will harness Uganda’s tourism potential and enhance access to tourist sites saying duty free vehicles may lead to lowering of transport costs.
He revealed that tourism has earned Uganda USD 1.4 billion in the previous year, and 2020, tourism is targeted to earn USD 2.7 billion as the number of tourist visitors are expected to reach 4 million.
In the forthcoming financial year, government allocated Shs32 billion to Tourism Sector to improve on experience at various game parks, through maintaining of roads, hotel facilities.
In line with enhancement of sport activities in Uganda Kateshumbwa said motor and bicycle racing and rallies will be imported at zero taxes for affordability to all Ugandans interested tin the sport.
The executive director for URA Doris Akol said starting on October, 1, no car older than 15 years will be allowed into Uganda asking why one imports a mini bus that is more than ten years with a huge tax burden yet you can import a newer one with a more friendly tax cap?, “We are here to empower you with investment-enabling-information,” she added.
However according the junior minister for tourism Godfrey Kiwanda Suubi, Domestic tourism promotional campaigns (Tulambule) and education outreaches on culture, tourism and wildlife conservation will be held to further boost tourism.
In addition Kiwanda said Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo 2018, Miss Tourism Competitions 2017, and activities for Buganda, Busoga and Kigezi clusters continue to register success with more Ugandans increasingly participating across the country.