Uganda People News: Nakaseke leaders protest cattle loading fees

Ultimate Media

A row is brewing in Nakaseke district between sub-county Chairperson and the Chief administrative officers over a hike in cattle loading fees.

The sub-county chairmen in Nakaseke district are reported to have rejected the revised cattle loading fees saying it is exploitative to the pastoralists.  In 2010, Joyce Namboozo, Nakaseke Chief Administrative Officer ordered sub county chiefs and LC 3 chairmen to increase cattle loading fees from shillings 12,000 to 18,000 for each head of cattle. She said that the increase in the cattle loading and development fees was aimed at boasting local revenue for the district.

However, since Namboozo issued the directive LC 3 chairman have blocked tax agents from collecting the money based on the new structure in their areas accusing the CAO of exploiting pastoralists and traders.

Geoffrey Kiiza, Ngoma sub county LC III chairman says that the CAO didn’t consult both the local leaders and affected pastoralists before hiking the fees. He argues that with the current drought that has hit the farmers hard it is illogical on increase taxes since farmers are grappling with the survival of their animals.

Kiiza says that his sub county has resolved not to implement the new structure until the CAO organizes a meeting for all the stakeholders to brainstorm on the matter.

Tadeo Wasswa, the LC 3 chairman of Ngoma town council which hosts the biggest cattle market in Nakaseke accuses the CAO of overstepping her powers in decision making. He explains that under the Local government Act the CAO has no mandate to issue directives to town councils because they are autonomous.

He says that the town council has not found it necessary to increase taxes because it is likely to negatively affect cattle farmers.