By Emmanuel Olinga
KATAKWI
Katakwi District authorities have commissioned the newly opened weekly cattle market of Omodo-Akoboi.
The commissioning took place on Monday, 20th, January, 2025 with district officials led by the LCV Chairman, Geoffrey Omolo tasking the local business community to pay taxes.
During the market’s commissioning, Paul Imalingat, LC of Omodo village, and Martine Okanya, chairwoman of Katakwi district cattle Traders, requested an extension of the grace period for the newly opened Omodo-Akoboi cattle market in order to familiarize businesses with it.
However, the Katakwi district Chief Finance Office CFO, Moses Oonyu, stated that the business community’s attitude against paying taxes stifles progress, and he advocated compliance because development benefits Ugandans when taxes are paid.
He emphasized that revenue gathered in local markets boosts development, noting that in sub counties where local revenue is collected, 65 percent of the revenue remains in the sub county whereas the rest is planned at the district and central levels.
According to Oonyu, the business community should be reminded of their tax commitments.
Geoffrey Omolo LC5 Katakwi urged for compliance in tax collection because the benefits provide growth to an area and district as a whole.
However, he advised against dishonest revenue collection and urged people to follow proper procedures and norms when collecting taxes, particularly in newly opened markets.
Meanwhile, Emmanuel Olaro, the deputy chief administrative officer of Katakwi district, encouraged tax payment but challenged sub-county authorities to properly use and plan taxpayers’ money by displaying visible development information on social services that attract continued tax payment.
Akoboi -Omodo cattle market, which opened on Monday, was officially commissioned by district officials as one approach to increase revenue collection.
