Women’s rights groups oppose proposed tax hikes on essential goods

KAMPALA, Uganda — A coalition of women’s rights organizations led by the Forum for Women in Democracy is calling on the government to halt proposed tax increases on essential goods, warning the measures will disproportionately affect low-income citizens.

During a press briefing in Ntinda, activists argued that raising taxes on fuel, sugar, soap and mobile money transactions is unjust while the country faces a high cost of living. The group criticized the government for a double standard, alleging that ordinary Ugandans face heavier burdens while large corporations receive tax exemptions.

It is unjust to impose heavier taxes on basic goods that people rely on daily, yet big companies that should be contributing more are instead given tax holidays, the coalition stated.

The outcry follows tax law amendments recently presented to Parliament by Henry Musasizi, the state minister for finance. Speaker Anita Annet Among has referred the proposals to the Committee on Finance for scrutiny before debate begins later this month.

Draft budget framework details for the 2026-2027 fiscal year suggest several significant increments. Proposed changes include doubling the fuel tax to 200 Ugandan shillings and tripling the sugar tax to 300 shillings. The tax on soap could rise to 400 shillings, while land transaction taxes are expected to increase from 1.5% to 5%.

Juliet Namirimo, a coalition leader, warned that these hikes could force women out of small-scale businesses and worsen household poverty.

If these taxes are implemented, they will severely affect ordinary citizens, especially women who are already struggling to sustain their livelihoods, Namirimo said.

Tax expert Faith Lumonya echoed these concerns, noting a troubling trend of shifting the tax burden to the public while granting waivers to large entities.

The coalition is urging lawmakers to prioritize fair taxation policies that protect vulnerable groups as Parliament prepares to debate the amendments.