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Environmental activists are rallying behind a plea to the government for tax exemptions on machinery crucial for their recycling operations. Martha Nalukenge, the Sales and Communications Officer at EcoBrix-Masaka Recycling Initiative, a local volunteer organization dedicated to promoting proper plastic waste disposal, highlights the burden of heavy import taxes on essential equipment.
Nalukenge emphasizes that the taxes imposed by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) on imported machinery severely hamper their ability to carry out effective recycling operations. Despite being a nonprofit venture, the organization finds itself constrained by exorbitant taxes, hindering their efforts in environmental protection.
She stresses that the high import taxes not only limit their capacity to innovate products from solid waste but also impose significant financial burdens that are challenging to manage. In response, they are mobilizing community stakeholders to support a petition aimed at persuading the government to waive taxes on waste recycling machinery imported into the country.
Andrew Bownds, the Chief Executive Officer at EcoBrixs, underscores the detrimental impact of these taxes on their operations. He notes that a considerable portion of their funds, close to 50 percent of equipment costs, goes into paying taxes, hindering their ability to expand production capacity and hire more waste collectors.
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In addition to grappling with prohibitive taxes, Nalukenge highlights the challenge of persuading the elite class to adopt proper solid waste management practices in their communities. She advocates for the integration of nature conservation campaigns into the school curriculum as a strategic measure to address climate change effects.
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