The Vice Chancellor of Uganda Christian University (UCU) Rev. Canon.Dr John Musisi Senyonyi has urged government to scrap taxes on private universities in Uganda for them to thrive.
He made the remarks on Friday during the 19th graduation of Bishop Barham University College at the university grounds at Rugarama hill, Kabale municipality.
Senyonyi said that Uganda has more private universities than the public universities and they are all training students equally for the nation.
He called on the government to accord necessary support to the private institutions by creating an atmosphere in which nonprofit universities can thrive, especially in the area of Value Added Tax (VAT) and Income Tax Relief.
Senyonyi revealed that this would allow efficient utilization of meager resources and enhance infrastructure development.
“The parents in private universities are taxpayers that, like others, sustain public universities by their taxes, and then additionally pay tuition fees in private universities. This injustice should be addressed.” Senyonyi was quoted saying.
The indirect incentive, he reiterated, is a common practice the world over offered as a non-profit service because they ably supplement the work of the government.
The Bishop of south Rwenzori diocese, Rt, Rev .Dr Jackson Nzerebende Tembo, who was the guest preacher advised the government to consider opening a public volunteers’ wing, as an opportunity for the unemployed professional citizens to generously give off their time to countless causes as volunteer civil servants. Nzerebende said the idea is already working in several government secondary schools which are understaffed.
According to the Bishop, the national volunteers program would harness the skills and commitment of the citizens, improve public service outcome as well a s the quality of life in the population of Uganda.
At least 142 students received degrees, diplomas, masters, at University’s 19th graduation ceremony.
Do you have a story in your community or an opinion to share with us: Email us at editorial@watchdoguganda.com
