@honnyombithembo: There’s been a lot of buzz on social media about this UCC research report focusing on taxation in the ICT sector, and honestly, some of the conversations are a bit off base. Many people are taking our findings and running with them in directions we never intended, making comparisons that don’t really hold up when we look at the different fiscal situations across regions. Let’s break it down: under the UCC Act of 2013, our job is to regulate the ICT space and offer guidance to the government. When it comes to taxation, though, that’s entirely in the hands of the Ministry of Finance, not us. The whole point of our report isn’t about crafting questionable international comparisons. Instead, it’s about collecting solid data that can help support targeted initiatives, like pushing for reduced taxes on entry-level smartphones. This is all part of our mission to promote digital inclusion here in Uganda. Right now, Uganda’s tax-to-GDP ratio is sitting between 13.0% and 13.6%, which is pretty low compared to other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. If we want our economy to really take off, we need to broaden our resource base and don’t forget, fast-growing sectors should pitch in their fair share without putting the brakes on growth. The taxes we collect are essential; they’re funneled back into building up the infrastructure that directly supports the ICT sector. Take the need for a solid energy grid as an example; it’s crucial if we want to meet the demands of future AI data centres. Plus, initiatives like the Parish Development Model are helping lift people into the monetary economy, which ultimately boosts their purchasing power and helps narrow the affordability gap for many Ugandans. If we can expand our market beyond just the current 20 million smartphone users, we can help drive down data costs for everyone. It’s all about creating those economies of scale! #socialmedia #tiktok #ucc #uganda #honnyombithembo

Hon. Nyombi Thembo

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Region: UG

Saturday 20 June 2026 10:11:21 GMT