Musicians under their umbrella body the Uganda Musician’s Association (UMA) have called upon Uganda Revenue Authority to consider other creatives in the industry and not focus solely on singers for tax purposes.
While they are ready to comply, musicians have advised that the creative industry spans further to include song writers, DJ’s, film makers and comedians among others.
Geoffrey Ekongot, the Head of programs UMA, made this submission during an engagement between the UMA leadership and URA at the URA headquarters in Nakawa.
Ekongot advised that URA could collect up to a tune of Shs1 trillion from the industry if more avenues other than concerts/public entertainment events are explored.
Josephine Mugerwa aka Phina Masanyalaze, UMA secretary said creatives are trying to formalize their craft and are aware that tax is an essential part of that journey. She also asked for better collaboration between the two entities to ensure compliance from the industry players.
“There is a need for mindset change on both sides so we request for a partnership with URA to jointly put out essential information as mobilization is easier done through the likes of UMA. The musicians are willing to contribute to developing Uganda together,” she said.
President of the association Cinderella Sanyu asked for tax amnesty where past taxes, penalties and interest would be waived so that members can start on a clean slate as well as exemptions where equipment or other such tools are imported for use by the industry.
In response, Edward Biryetega from URA Business Policy advised that Voluntary Disclosure is available for musicians and appeals for amnesty or exemptions can be made in writing to the Commissioner General and the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.
Ibrahim Bbosa Assistant Commissioner Public and Corporate Affairs appreciated the response from UMA saying it is a sign that the industry is willing to cooperate with URA. He also demystified talk that URA wants to put people out of business saying, “URA seeks to understand the entertainment sector and through partnership, develop Uganda together.”
Musicians were advised to embrace pre-engagements with URA and guidance on the various taxes for easy clearance before and reconciliation after events.
This engagement follows a recent publication on the Taxation of Public Entertainment Events that caused a stir from the sector.
