Members of the Uganda Chamber of Energy and Minerals (UCEM) in the gold miners sector have decried the unfair taxation and policy environment, which they claim has not favoured them.
The concerns came to light on 30/01/2025, during their 3rd annual tax dialogue organised by [UCEM] in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development [MEMD] held at the Sheraton Hotel.
The engagement brought together over 60 key sector stakeholders to discuss the current taxation policies in the extractives sector as they explore transparent taxation as a path to accountability in Uganda’s extractives sector.
The participants urged both the URA and the ministry to sensitise them about the mining sector taxation and policy standards to enable them to appreciate and dialogue with them for a win-win situation for all stakeholders.
‘We appeal to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development and URA to harmonise their position by engaging us, the small-scale artisanal miners, in continuous sensitisation about mining taxation and the general policy regulatory framework,’ they noted.
They also decried the unfair tax regime where the small artisanal miners are charged while the big brothers are left scot-free, which incident brings about an unlevelled playing taxation field.
Members voiced out the deep concern about the multiple taxation regimes where several government bodies, including the ministry, district local governments, and sub-counties, all descend on them demanding different taxes, which makes their job difficult.
However, Edmond Ario, an official from the Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development, told the participants that his ministry has noted all their concerns and that they would forward them for discussion at a high level so that they can be moved and tabled before parliament for debate and possible enactment into favourable laws.
Ario revealed that the government has prioritised the mining sector in the coming financial budgetary year and has gone ahead to set up a cabinet subcommittee headed by the minister of science, technology, and innovation [STI], Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza, with a mandate to discuss how best the government can plan and fund the activities of the mining sector in the country.
The Uganda Chamber of Energy and Minerals vice chairperson, Natamba Pamela, while closing the engagement, said they appreciate both the technical and logistical support extended to them by their mother ministry of energy, saying they will ensure they set up such a meeting platform where members can freely discuss issues that directly impact their services as well as seek solutions from the government.
The meeting resolutions would be shared with key government agencies for further review.
Launched in 2010, UCMP, which recently converted into Uganda Chamber of Energy and Minerals [UCEM], coordinates and facilitates information sharing, advisory, and administrative support to prospective and current investors in the mining and petroleum sectors in Uganda.
It also promotes, encourages, protects, and fosters responsible mining, beneficiation, and service delivery in these sectors.
A leading private sector body that promotes, protects, and advocates for the beneficial development of the energy and minerals industry.
To facilitate, through the collective action of members, the development of a competitive and robust energy and minerals industry.
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