Govt calls meeting for manufacturers

The government through the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) recently introduced the Digital Conformity Marking (DCM) system, which involves fixing digital marks or stamps on certified commodities, providing consumers with proof that the products meet applicable standards and are of high quality.

 “… because it's a new tax that we've introduced. However, for us to be able to address it, we have organised a one-day conference, where we've invited the stakeholders to be there, and the technical people who brought this tax,” Ms Anite said.

“So the technical people from the Ministry of Trade, especially UNBS, the Ministry of Finance and the Secretary to Treasury shall be there, the Commissioner General of URA, and the Commissioner of Domestic Tax will be there, and we will discuss. After we've discussed, if we come up with a harmonised position, we will then take it back to Cabinet. After Cabinet will take it to Parliament,” she added.

Ms Anite made the remarks on Tuesday during a meeting with managers of Movit factory, the manufacturers of beauty and personal care products, at Nyanama, two kilometres off Kampala-Entebbe road.

She was responding to Mr Robert Kitenda, the head of communications and corporate affairs at Movit.
In response, the minister said: “I had a meeting with my technical people in the Ministry of Finance, and I had a discussion with UNBS. We're organising the meeting for all the Ugandan investors … we'll have the discussion in the presence of the Prime Minister.”

Ms Anite also said the September 4 meeting will discuss other taxation issues in response to the Movit officials who said the 10 per cent excise duty is prohibitive to the company’s growth.

“We shall also be discussing the issues of taxation, because you told us that there is 10% exercise duty, and you're not happy with that. So it is a whole day discussion in Hotel Africana, so starting at eight o'clock, please be there in person,” she said.

Ms Anite also pledged 50 acres of land to support Movit drive its expansion agenda.

“The land is available, and I will make it available to you, and free of charge, the 50 acres we shall give you to him, free of charge, whichever part of Uganda he wants to be is where I will give him the land,” she said.

The minister further emphasized the need for local manufacturing to reduce job dependency on foreign products and encouraged further expansion into East African markets and beyond.

Mr Simpson Birungi, the founder and CEO of Movit Group of Companies, hailed the minister for the visit, which he said underscores the government’s commitment to supporting local businesses and highlights the significant role that homegrown enterprises play in Uganda’s economic development.

“We take immense pride in the milestones we have achieved, growing from a small shop in Kikuubo to owning manufacturing plants with presence in over 10 African countries,” Mr Birungi said.

In response, Ms Anite said: “Local investors like Movit are not just contributors to the economy, they are examples for other budding entrepreneurs. They produce quality products that meet export standards, create jobs, and harness local expertise. The ministry is committed to ensuring that local investors not only survive but thrive in this country.”