By Asenath Were
The Commissioner General, John Rujoki Musinguzi for Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), who graced the 27th Provincial Assembly as the guest of honour, encouraged the church leaders to pay tax as well as educate the congregation on paying taxes. “We are so far below the numbers required to develop our country. The development of a nation does not come from anywhere else; it must come from internally generated resources like taxes,” he said.
He continued and explained that according to the Income Tax Act under Section 2bb, tax exemption is provided for religious institutions, and they must apply for this exemption. “The commission of URA will send a team to inspect and confirm that this income is not for profit-making but is used to invest back into service of the community, after which the exemption will be granted,” he noted.
He applauded the church for promoting ethical education and quality health services, spearheading community-focused development approaches such as world vision, and many others, adding that the church has played a vital role in moral and political influence on issues such as corruption, abortion, LGBTQ, divorce, as well as the creation and improvement of household income.
The highlights of the assembly included the church of Uganda receiving a land title for the church house from Equity Bank and launching the archbishop’s book, ‘Authority that Turns Followers into Leaders,’ a book written by the archbishop, the most Rev. Stephen Samuel Kazimba Mugalu.
The Clergies were later on encouraged to go and take HIV screening that is taking place at UCU in this period of time by the Uganda Aids Commission (UAC). Ruth Senyony, the chairperson for the UAC, pointed out that when people see the clergy screening for HIV, they would be encouraged to do so as well.
“Other health sectors have done really well, and we know that you have also done a good job in the fight against aids through providing HIV prevention messages, services that you provide, and the social support like counselling and psychosocial support systems, that is why we are here, to request you to partner with us and support us to end Aids by 2030,” she said.
The members were welcomed by the Uganda Christian University (UCU) vice chancellor, Aaron Mushengyezi, who pointed out that it was such an honour for the team at UCU to be able to host the Provincial Assembly of the Church of Uganda at Nkoyoyo Hall on August 21.
Aiming to deliberate on critical matters concerning the church and strategise for its development and sustainability as highlighted by the provincial secretariat, Rev. Canon William Ongeng, the assembly commenced on August 19 and will continue till 23 under the theme, ‘Imitate God’s goodness in doing good’ with scriptural reference from Galatians 6:9.
