Tayebwa Calls for Tax Compliance, Ethical Business Practices

What the report says

Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa used the inaugural National Prayer Breakfast Business Forum at Parliament to urge Uganda’s business community to prioritize tax compliance, transparency and ethical conduct. According to Watchdog Uganda, he said a stronger private sector is central to the country’s economic transformation and argued that wider tax compliance would help government fund roads, power and water services.

Tayebwa said Uganda should focus on broadening the tax base rather than relying on new taxes, and he suggested the country could raise its tax-to-GDP ratio if more individuals and companies paid what they owe. He also cautioned that selective tax exemptions and other preferential treatment can distort competition, while stressing that Parliament wants direct feedback from business leaders on whether current policies support growth and wealth creation.

The forum brought together lawmakers, business leaders and guests from several countries, including Rwanda, Burundi, Nigeria, Tanzania, Germany, India and Cameroon. Emmanuel Katongole of Quality Chemicals Industries Uganda Limited delivered the keynote address. Tayebwa also called for stronger integrity in private business, saying misconduct should be punished whether it happens in public office or in the workplace.

Beyond taxation, he urged entrepreneurs to think about the broader value of their companies, including jobs, supply chains and community impact, and encouraged established business people to mentor young Ugandans and aspiring entrepreneurs. He said such mentorship could also help MPs better understand the challenges faced by the private sector.