Social Media Tax:Frank Tumwebaze attacks opposition MPs for misleading Ugandans

By Waswa Tenywa

The minister for technology and national guidance Frank Tumwebaze has lashed out at the opposition Members of Parliament who have opted to join activists in fighting and going against the recently introduced social media over the top tax (OTT).

Speaking during the annual broadcasters’ conference at Imperial Royale hotel in Kampala, Tumwebaze who was the chief guest expressed concern over some opposition MPs giving an example of Kyadondo East MP Robert Kyagulanyi Sentamu whom he says have embarked on misleading and devaluing Ugandans that they are to join the struggle to denounce the social media taxes.

‘’Radios have become a source of conflict especially for politicians, I appeal to you all young people, dont be part to our politics, concentrate on communicating factually. These MPs who have come out to oppose the over the top taxes they are all liars,’ ’said minister Tumwebaze.

While reading the budget for the financial year 2018/19 at Serena hotel in Kampala, the minister of finance Matia Kasaija revealed that the government resolved to impose 200 shillings tax to all social media users and this was implemented on 1st July drawing negative opinions to the new tax.

Tumwebaze again defended OTT saying the new tax was introduced to generate funds that will help government construct internet connections in the areas where there are no internet thus appealing to the media stations to avoid engaging themselves in the hate, irresponsible and cheap politics which have fueled political conflicts.