DAVID GOMBE
The tax debate was the dominant topic as the State Minister of Sport Hamson Denis met the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU) executive at Lugogo Sports Complex.
While Motorsport has tax exemption on imported rally cars and motorbikes, they still have to pay hefty taxes on spare parts like tyres even fuel tanks.
“Yes, we appreciate that we have been supported by not paying taxes on cars and bikes but we still need more. Three for this sport remain expensive. Can you imagine that a fuel tank is not counted as part of the car as well as other accessories.” FMU executive committee member Katende Mukiibi asked.
Obua retorted,
“We need to revisit the process through which we got the other tax exemption and try to get others.”
The current framework was agreed upon under the East African Customs union charter and these demands must be agreed upon by all community members then sent to the council of ministers.
In his first week as minister, Obua has met the National Council of Sports (NCS) board and staff and Al’s conducted the National Sports Associations’ forum.
He was thrilled to note number of fans that motosport brings together and implored the Federation to front this as a way of gripping for more government support
“I have noted by watching television that you have big numbers at your events. This visibility you are giving us as a country is huge which must be supported.” Stated Obua.
FMU called for more government support through NCS to benefit from the $1.5m allocated to promoting Uganda’s tourism sector and grants to their regional competition.
They also cited the Kenyan government’s support to the FIM Motocross Africa Nations Cup and the KCB Kenya Safari Rally which returned to the world Rally championship (WRC) calendar this year.
