Would you be okay with the government taxing compensation you receive from it?

BACKGROUND

Due to the ongoing construction of the 74 kilometre Gulu-Atiak road in Layibi division, Gulu municipality, 80 residents are waiting to receive their compensation of 1.5 billion shillings.

While this money has been approved by the Uganda National Roads Authority, the beneficiaries have refused to accept it because of a new directive from the Ministry of Finance that they first get Tax Identification Numbers (TIN numbers). This means that their compensation will be taxed.

This is not the first time residents and UNRA have a problem getting compensation payments through because of TIN number requirements. In a separate project in August, Dan Alinange, the UNRA head of corporate communications, expressed concern at how difficult it would be for villagers to get TIN numbers, moreover just for a one off payment.

QUESTION

Would you be okay with the government taxing compensation you receive from it?

A. Yes, because it is the law

B. No, because I don’t have a TIN number

C. Yes, if it invested back in my community

INSTRUCTIONS

Go to Messages on your phone. Type STUDIO followed by your answer. Send to 8585. This SMS is TOTALLY FREE OF CHARGE.