ICT experts challenge Uganda's mobile, social media taxes

Ugandan ICT experts have opposed the newly introduced taxes on mobile money and social media.

Under their umbrella body Information Communication Technology Association of uganda (ICTAU), the experts have resolved to support domestic and international efforts to repeal these taxes, including the legal petition launched by a group of young lawyers, Cyber Law Initiative. 

"The ICT Association of Uganda (ICTAU) is gravely concerned about the recently implemented taxes on Mobile Money and Over-The-Top (OTT) services. These taxes were enacted by the Government of Uganda without sufficient deliberation or consultation and are not supported by evidence-based research. They will undoubtedly constrain the development of our industry, economy, and society," they said in a statement. 

In the statement released in Kampala on Tuesday, ICTAU also "strongly urged the government to ensure that all future laws and regulations related to Uganda’s ICT industry originate from a predictable, deliberate process that incorporates evidence-based research and public consultation."

Government has said the new taxes aim to increase the country's narrow tax base.

Public Statement on Ott & Mobile Money Taxes UGANDA by jadwongscribd on Scribd

LIVE: Social Media Conference Uganda 2017

BBC'S Rachael Akidi (top) shares her experience of social media.
@JoyDoreenBiira (left, above) make a point on the panel today
discussing social media. Midlle is @OfwonoOpondo,
the Government Spokesperson. PHOTOS @UgandaMediaCent & @KasUganda

The third edition of the Social Media Conference #UgandaSocialMedia held today provided another opportunity for deepening and expanding the discussions and exploring new perspectives under the theme “Facts, Freedoms and Rights in a Connected World. 

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Tweets about @ACME_Uganda

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Tweets about #UgandaSocialMedia

Programme

8:00 Registration, Welcome Tea & Bites

9:00 Welcome Remarks by Mathias Kamp, KAS Country Director

9:10 Opening Remarks by Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, Minister of Information & ICT

9:30 Opening Session: Social Media, Blogging and Citizen Journalism: Re-configuring Ethical Standards?

Keynote address by Rachael Akidi (Editor, BBC Africa) Panel discussion:

Monica Chibita (Head, Department of Journalism, UCU)

Grace Natabaalo (Programme Associate, ACME)

Ian Ortega (Founder, Bigeye.ug & CEO, Campuseye.ug)

Angelo Izama (Analyst, Writer & Blogger)

Moderator: Rukh-Shana Namuyimba/NBS

11:00 Breakaway Sessions Pt.1

Panel 1: Freedom, Responsibility and Regulation: Navigating Online Spaces in Uganda

Vincent Bagiire (Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information)Sarah Kihika (ICTJ/Chapter Four Board)

Jimmy Haguma (Uganda Police)

Geoffrey Wokulira Ssebaggala (Unwanted Witness)

Neil Blazevic (Manager Technology Programme, DefendDefenders)

Moderator: Ivan Okuda (Daily Monitor)

Panel 2: Breaking Barriers? - Youth Engagement through Social Media

Antonio Kisembo (Media Challenge Initiative)

Binyamin Rukwengye (Boundless Minds)

Jackie Kemigisa (Parliament Watch)

Anna Adeke (Youth MP)

Moderator: Raymond Mujuni (Journalist, NTV)

Speakers Corner

The “Digital Humanitarian”: Social Media for Social Good - Philip Ogola (New Media Consultant)

Digital Ubuntu - Cultivating Responsible Digital Cultures

Zawadi Nyong’o (CEO, 7thSense Communications) (tbc)

Host: Solomon Serwanjja

12:45 Lunch

13:45 Breakaway Sessions Pt.1

Panel 3: ICT and Social Media for Development: Leaving No One Behind?

Maureen Agena (CEO, Tune Communications: ICT4D Consultant)

Philip Ogola (New Media Consultant)

Evelyn Namara (CEO,!nnovate)

Patricia Litho (Lecturer, Makerere University)

Lillian Nalwoga (President, Internet Society, Uganda Chapter)

Moderator: Michael Niyitegeka (Social Media Consultant & Trainer)

Panel 4: More Opportunities, More Threats? - Feminist Voices Online

Lydia Namubiru (Data Journalist, ACME)

Patricia Twasiima (Chapter Four)

Zawadi Nyong’o (CEO, 7thSense Communications) (tbc.)

Moderator: Josephine Karungi (NTV News Anchor)   Speakers Corner

The Art of Online Media Manipulation - Mark Kaigwa (Speaker, Author & Entrepreneur / Founder, Nendo)

Africa Blogging: Trends of Political Blogging across the Continent

Anthony Masake & Ruth Aine (Members of the Africablogging initiative)

Social Media and the Art of Political Communication

Don Wanyama (Senior Press Secretary to the President)

Host: Catherine Ageno (KFM)

15:30 Closing Session: Shrinking Horizons? – Online Trends, Algorithms and the New Rise of Populism

Panel discussion:

Rachael Akidi (Editor, BBC Africa)

Mark Kaigwa (Speaker, Author & Entrepreneur / Founder, Nendo)

Rosebell Kagumire (Blogger, Media & Communication Specialist)

Teddy Ruge (CEO, Raintree Farms / Cofounder, Remit & Hive Colab)

Susan Kitariko (Uganda Country Director, Google)

Moderator: Mildred Tuhaise/NBS

RECAP: If Jeff Koinange was president....

#NBSfrontline Thursday April 13, 2017:  Guests Jeff Koinange and Andrew Mwenda discuss corruption and social media challenges in East Africa on NBS TV, Uganda.