President Yoweri Museveni has pledged to address complaints raised against the Value Added Tax (VAT) by Mzee Isaya Kalya, proprietor of Fort Portal Municipality-based Kalya Courts Hotel. Mr. Kalya reported to the President that the tax that is currently levied on businesses’ operations is unfriendly.
The President was speaking at the launching of the 30-room Kalya Courts Hotel in Kabarole District, Tooro Sub-Region in Western Uganda.
Mzee Kalya is a retired Resident District Commissioner and one of the people who sent their children to the bush to actively participate in the 5-year protracted people’s armed struggle that culminated in the taking over political power by NRM in 1986.
President Museveni commended the family of Mzee Isaya Kalya for promoting the hotel industry in Tooro Sub-Region.
“Uganda has got peace. Tooro Sub-Region has got the mountain and the national park. You have got a high potential in the tourism sector. The vital components in tourism are peace and nature. Infrastructure is also vital in promoting tourism and other developmental sectors,” he said.
Mr. Museveni informed the guests that the rehabilitation of the Mbarara – Katunguru road is in progress adding that the rehabilitation of the Kasese – Fort Portal road will commence soon.
He observed that Tooro Sub-Region has got the opportunity to receive tourists all the way from Murchison Falls National Park through Bunyoro Sub-Region who will use the tarmac roads that are under construction in the two areas as he referred to the ongoing construction of the Kyenjojo – Kagadi – Hoima – Masindi road. He reminded them that the roads’ infrastructure is important in the promotion of the tourism industry.
He also gave assurances that the women’s group that is currently engaged in the production and export of a variety of handicrafts and baskets will be supported.
Mzee Isaya Kalya, proprietor of Kalya Courts Hotel, saluted President Museveni for supporting his family. He revealed that he sent 3 of his children and 4 of his relatives’ children to participate in the liberation struggle of the 1980s.
The Managing Director of the hotel, Mr. David Mugambwa, saluted President Museveni for mentoring him in the venture of hotel business and agreed with the President’s observation that Tooro Sub-Region has got an enormous tourism potential.
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