The 200 Shillings of Doom: Tumwebaze mixed messages concerning the Social Media Tax!

We knew that the statements of 2018, as the loyal ICT Minister Frank Tumwebaze hadn’t done his due diligence, as the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) issued a Social Media Tax last year after President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni wrote a letter to the Ministry of Finance asking for the opportunity to tax this.

That has no been done over the last few months, but as the realization of the effects are coming. The forewarning of CSBAG and others wasn’t listen to. I wrote that it lacked due diligence of the tax in June 2018 and today. As I open Daily Monitor and seeing that Frankie Boy has changed his ways. He has opened his eyes and seeing what some of us saw all along. As the cost of content, the cost of using social media and that this has ensured that it is less viable. Since, its the elites who can use it, but the lower level civil servants cannot afford to be online. That was natural, that the 200 shillings per day would be taken directly of the plate and also evaporate funds for investment within the Republic. It is a negative tax, and therefore, naturally have reverse effect, than what the state promised when they levied it.

Tumwebaze statement in July 2018:

When Ministry of Finance is borrowing, we, the Parliament and civil society are grilling them for borrowing. But when we say this is a sector that has grown in the economy so let’s get a bit of it, let’s get Shs. 6,000 from every holder of a smartphone consuming OTTs, what production capacity will it stifle?” (…) “Is USD 1,4 too much for a citizen to contribute to tax yet you have money to buy a smartphone, minimumly at Shs. 300,000 that is data enabled, and you load bundles of over shs. 30,000? Logically it doesn’t make sense” (Frank Tumwebaze, 17.07.2018).

Tumwebaze statemetn in January 2019:

The committee chaired by Annet Nyakecho said Over The Top tax seems to negatively affect the consumption of ICT services and products. In response, ICT Minister, Mr Frank Tumwebaze admitted that the tax is has had adverse effects on the sector. He said they were “hoodwinked” by their counterparts in the Finance Ministry that the introduction of the tax on the basis that it would widen the country’s revenue base” (Ssebuliba, 2019).

ICT Minister Tumwebaze was so positive and thinking this was the future. This was how to widen the tax-base, but instead. It has as expected made the usage of Social Media expensive. Which means also there is lack of funds for the ones operating within the Social Media and making Online Businesses. This is both happening because of the hard hitting taxes on Social Media, but also the Mobile Money Tax. Both taxes has both the Mobile Money Industry and the ICT development, as they are both having less activity and less usage. Which is natural, when the costs are going up.

The ICT Minister should have known this before speaking so warm about it. Any tax are taking money out of the system. The 200 shillings of doom is clear. The state could have listen to the advice, but didn’t open the ears to it.

In June 30 2018, Daily Monitor reported this: “Civil society organisations have accused the government of trying to stifle debate online with this tax, while others like the Civil society Budget Advocacy group CSBAG, say the tax will have a negative impact on a business.” (Hinamundi, 2018).

So, if the ICT Minister Tumwebaze could have known and stopped this. They could have done the right thing and not continued this path. Instead they have hurt the industry, because they are all blindly following the orders of the President. That is what the state did and they levied the 200 shillings of doom, as it was anticipated by anyone else. Than, the authorities itself. Peace.

Reference:

Samuel Ssebuliba – ‘Parliament orders assessment on impact of social media tax’ 18.01.2019, link: https://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Parliament-orders-assessment-impact-social-media-tax/688334-4940312-rph8g3z/index.html

Collins Hinamundi – ‘How government will collect the new social media tax’ 30.07.2018, link: https://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/How-government-will-collect-new-social-media-tax/688334-4639596-juy8n3z/index.html

Opinion: President Museveni wants more telephone surveillance and praise his OTT Tax!

I wonder if Yoweri Kaguta Museveni ever listens to himself and his own advice. Because his own words so often are compelling to his own activity. Just like yesterday, he continues his rants of wisdom. This is something from the 32 years regime, who continues to pursuit their own game. It is nothing, that seems to stop them in their ways. They are just collecting whatever they can, even when there is no proof of doing any good by doing it. They are pushing taxes on the public, without giving service delivery back. They are just taxing them and making life harder. 

President Museveni also spoke on surveillance of the Telecommunication Industry and use of Cellphone. Because he believes that the Companies are not paying their fair share. He is really proving his dictating ways and his micro-managing to the next level. He has the answers for more taxation and the answers to solve the lack of funds for the state reserves. Take a look!

The third measure is electronic monitoring of telephone calls because the telecoms have been under-declaring their revenues. URA was depending on figures provided by the companies instead of independently monitoring them” (Museveni, 23.11.2018).

Fourth, we must electronically monitor all money transfers. URA and BoU should do this. We recently started a tax on mobile money and social media. The mobile money tax was good because we had a large portion of people who are in non-monetary GDP.” (Museveni, 23.11.2018).

What is more worrying is that he wants to practically surveillance of the telecom industry. He wants to follow the airtime and cellphones, to check if the Telecommunication Companies are underwriting and lying on the usage of the telephone-services. This is furthering the opportunity of the state to follow and monitor the public, they will have the excuse to do so, by checking if the Airtel, MTN or other companies are telling the truth.

The last piece is that the President says the Mobile Money tax was positive, because it shown the amount of people who living in a non-monetary society. That the Mobile Money Tax are showing to what extent the public are living without bank-accounts and by direct cash services. That is why the Mobile Money has been important all over Uganda, because it has given people ability to pay over another platform, which wasn’t costly, but opening to transfer from instance family members in Kampala to the ones up-country.

Therefore, the Mobile Money tax has made it more costly and more of a bother. This hasn’t made it better, but made life harder. However, the President doesn’t see the good for the people, but the good for his spending in the State House. Which has grown by adding more taxes and not checking the consequences of doing so. Peace.

Public Notice from Telecommunication Companies on the Mobile Money Tax (17.11.2018)

MTN implements reduced Mobile Money Tax (17.11.2018)

Opinion: The 2021 election, unless massive changes; Mzee will win it again!

Eh! I don’t like talking about the long destined future, but one is certain. As long Mzee is breathing, he is running as the Flag-Bearer and everyone else is to fall in line. The Grand Master, the Big Man, the Head Honcho, the Leader of Men and all other titles are his. This is President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. He will not step down. Not as long as he is breathing. That is not happening.

He would not have revised or edited the constitution. He would not have let the military and security forces be such a vital part of the state, as it is right now. The president wouldn’t have used to force against anyone coming his way. Sending a message to anyone who trying to trespass and rule the fiefdom. That is not acceptable. Not even succession from his own flesh and blood. They have to wait as well.

Not that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) have any plans for succession, some cries out loud for it now and then. But later they cry again to their beloved leader and hope for redemption. As they insulted the grand leader. You should never question his powers and his army.

If you question him and his will, you are insects, you are mosquitoes, vermin and bean-weevils that he gets rid off. His army can he always trust, The Security Organizations, the high command and that the Police Force will do his bidding. As long as the state of affairs is like this. There will be no change.

As long as the state is militarized and the state are serving one man. There will be nothing significant different. The names on the ballots might be different. There might be a Farmers Party, Go-Forward or New Formation. However, the results will be in favor of the President.

The 2021 will not change, unless there are vital steps of change. Unless there are people early to see something else and not accepting status quo. Because, the will of doing peaceful transitions through the ballots, has been done again and again. That has been tested and tried countless times by Dr. Kizza Besigye and Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Paul Ssemogerere/ Norbert Mao (Democratic Party) and Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) Olara Otunnu. However, none of the attempts has succeeded, that is because the system is built for and implemented for Museveni.

Everyone should see that. The People Power Movement has to grow stronger, than the Defiance Campaign, bigger than Walk to Work and pay costs, which none of us want to bear. If you want to dismantle a military dictatorship. It doesn’t come without costs, without sacrifice and without determination. It isn’t about getting SUVs as MPs or not. It is about sustainable freedom for all citizens. Not just the all-praising elite in and around the President.

2021 will for now be another race. Which is more of the same. There will be drama, tear-gas, arrests, treason-charges, open bribes, voter-tourism, pre-ticked ballots and so on. That is just part the nightmare called elections. There will be deflections from the various parties, there will be people jumping around after the man of the day. However, in the long run, as it is per today. No one will contain of have access to the powers of the army and state resources like Museveni. From the State House, he will micro-manage and bustle everyone into his ways. Either you like it or not.

That is why, when I read people speculating about the elections in 2021. There will be the same Kiggundu Math and misuse of Public Order Management Act (POMA) until oblivion. Unless, the people are gathered around the cause. That they have belief that they have value and purpose. That they are not pawns of the Kingpin of Entebbe and the NRA. As long as they have faith that they can steer the conversation. That they can change the narrative, change the perspective and also ensure that the military, the Security Organization in and around the President are weaken by the pressure. If that pressure gets to level they cannot sustain. Than, the movement, the people are able to progress and show, who is the true value in the Republic.

That will not easy, that will cost. The road to redemption and freedom isn’t easy. It never has been. Because the men with power and wealth, usually don’t won’t to hand it out, but you have to fight to get it. That is the way it is.

At this present time, there are little hope, there are reflections of awaking. As it has been in the past. But the fire has to flair. The thunder has hit the ground. It has to spark,. The fire has to light and it has to be able to make a difference. Show true value. Not being one concert. Being one idol, one leader and one movement. But being the message, being the guiding star, the one that can pass through the evils of men. That is what is needed. Not just some mere slogan and a color of clothing. It needs to pierce the flesh and embody people.

There been sparks, there been flairs, but not fires that has overpowered. There haven’t been a people’s revolution. There been starts of riots and uprisings. But not to an extent, where the thousands of guards, the soldiers and the police force has felt threaten. Where they have felt that their arms and guns been made out of jelly. They haven’t feared going to the office or the station, they haven’t feared going to the barracks.

No, its the people who has feared mambas, the flying squad, the ISO, the Special Force Command and whatnot beating people on the streets. These has to fear something. Not that the public has arms, but their anger, their frustration, their fatigue, their lack of hope and desperation. As they haven’t seen the dream of the NRM or the President. They haven’t gotten the 10 Point Program or the Future their was promised for three decades.

Its time to make things real. Because if it is like now. The 2021 is just another slow train for the Big-Man to rule another term. Just like 2016 and 2011, just like 2006 and 2001… We can go further back in time, but its get old quick. Just like the old man with a hat.

We can speak up again and again about the unjust of the system, but seemingly more of it stays the same. While the crooks continuing taking, while the ones risking it all are paying the price. Without any big change or will to do so. Only, to scream and shout, but kill it off when the dust settles. Peace.

Opinion: OTT and Social Media Tax is failing as anticipated!

The Over The Top Services Tax and Social Media Tax can only be said as utter embarrassment by the National Resistance Movement (NRM). There are enough things to know this would happen, as the plan was for getting the revenue, but not thinking the consequences of the taxes. That is why, today’s revelations about the levied taxes isn’t that surprising.

Without due-diligence, it is hard to know the effects and the means for why it is put. It seems like the President and the NRM had a dream of cash-flowing into the Consolidation Fund without any consequences, but apparently it does. And when you add taxes on things, people either use less or plan more effortlessly to circumvent this added cost on their daily lives.

Daily Monitor Reports: “Government collected Shs20.5b from social media in the last quarter ended September, according to data obtained from Uganda Revenue Authority. The tax, which was implemented in July, was however, less than the Shs24.9b target that URA had hoped to collect in the period. URA has a monthly target of Shs8.3b. The tax was introduced in the Excise Duty amendments of financial year 2018/19 requiring all social media users to pay Shs200 per day, before accessing certain platforms such as Facebook, Whatsapp and Twitter, among others. Government intends to collect about Shs100b before the end of the 2018/19 financial year” (Christine Kasemiire – ‘OTT raises Shs20b in first quarter, URA fails on targets’ 07.11.2018).

While it is a few days ago, that the MTN Uganda promised the 24 hours since paying tax, that the tax would last from the time of payment of the tax until the time is spent. Instead of how it has been, until the new day coming. Meaning, that often you would only get half-a-day with the Social Media, as the taxation would start again, when the clock turns 00:01.

That is why this was news to: “Airtel Uganda and other telecom service providers have announced a fundamental change in the Over the Top excise duty imposed on social media following a directive from Uganda Communications Commission, the telecommunications regulatory body in Uganda. Since its introduction in July 2018, the tax commonly known as OTT or social media tax, was only valid up to midnight of the payment date for daily users. With the recent changes, daily subscribers can now enjoy internet services for a complete 24 hours – right up to the time that they subscribed 24 hours earlier. This also applies to the weekly and monthly users who can also enjoy services until the time that they subscribed” Brian Emorut – ‘Social Media tax validity to now last 24 hours’ 06.11.2018 – Guide 2 Uganda).

So now, Airtel and MTN has changed their pattern of getting the OTT tax. While URA is struggling to met the supposed the quota. This shows that the state had not considered all implications to the levied taxes. The NRM clearly didn’t envision, either the use of VPN and also that people cannot afford it. Because it is barrier to be even using the social media after the taxes.

Surely, the 24 hours usage and the lack of collection. That the Telecoms and the Mobile Money outlets has been pushed and lost revenue is certain. As the data-bundles and Air-Time had to be corrected from July on and also now the barrier for OTTs are changing again. This is surely showing that the Telecoms and the Republic wasn’t prepared for this, but doing it on orders from the President. Peace.

MTN Uganda: Daily OTT tax now valid for 24 hours (01.11.2018)

Mzee spells out new guidelines: Don’t think these will fix the open brutality against the dissidents in the Republic!

In yet another letter, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni reveals himself, the character he is and the micro-managing efforts he does have. Instead, of significantly finding the wrongs of himself and his management. He begs to change other peoples ways and tell them directly, where they have to change. Like he forgets that he is the ones that has created this situation and also, the greed for power has costs and the attitude of the public is like this. Because of the amassed wealth of the few, while the rest is scraping by. That is the reality that this President has created, but doesn’t seem to figure out. As well, as the misuse of security organizations to interfere in political atmosphere, creates insecurity, made by orders from above. Meaning him and the rest of the cronies at the State House. That is known, but also overshadowed in his writings.

Yesterday, the President released a letter written on guidelines to Security Organizations within the Republic. Nothing much was new there, but there was concerning aspects. As of the narrative and the ideas coming from the old man. Who is clearly set in his way and writing on default, without much consideration for the other parties, that have been following orders, but now got new guidelines. Apparently.

“Indeed, Uganda has been stable for a long time. It will remain stable. Therefore, nobody should be allowed to threaten life, property or orderliness (obuteeka) in Uganda. If you are a critic, do so truthfully and peacefully” (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, 28.10.2018).

“The involvement of the SFC, Military Police and CMI in handling law and order issues has been caused by the kawukumi (bean weevils) that had invaded the Police. Otherwise, they should not have been involved and they were never involved. I commend them because the main aims of the government were achieved: to protect the lives of Ugandans and their property. The image of the country was somewhat affected. That, however, will be repaired. What is crucial is the country to be stable and not just to appear stable. Nevertheless, for logical and legal reasons, the army and the other security forces can, if required, backup the Police in Law and Order Management” (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni 28.10.2018).

These statements and typical ways of the President. Shows the insight into how he considers the security questions and how he look forward to ease the ways to peace. It is like he cannot see how the CMI, Military Police and Presidential Guards coming in as Police Officers as a problem, because he is the one most likely ordering it and giving the word to the underlings to strike. That is why he doesn’t seem to care about the attitude and the lack of protocol, only that the image is destroyed. However, he asked for, when he ordered torture, when he ordered the CMI and SFC to take matters into their own hands that bargain. That was a given after the melee.

The stability factor, is only because he is stagnant on his post, but the insecurity is rising, when he gives so much power to militarized organizations, who are there to secure the border. Not catch petty thieves or signal to the world, that you don’t steal Micro-Loans Money that was distend to Mzee himself. These public violent arrests, these killings of protesters and of opposition activists, Yasin the driver of Bobi Wine. Are all signs of the oppression and the lack of tolerance within the Republic. Just like the selective arrest of the people in and around Bobi Wine. Who only guilty of association, not of crimes on any levels. Except being loyal to someone else, than the almighty Bosco.

We know, even with these guidelines, more innocent people will die after a riot; more people will end up in a hospital, because the Security Organization and militarized organization will brutally silence the people. By any means people and most likely on orders from Jajja. That is just the way it is.

He can speak of codes, justice and rule of law, but it is not believable, as long as people are ending up for no apparent reason at SIU Kireka and arrested for association to someone else than the President. You know the stakes and stacks of cards is against the rebelling public. They cannot win and the powerful SFC, CMI, ISO and rest of them will silence the voice of dissent, whenever and wherever they might arise. That is just the way it is. Peace.

Reference:

Yoweri Kaguta Museveni – ‘GUIDELINES ON MANAGING RIOTERS, TERRORISTS, CRIMINALS AND LOOTERS AND METHODS OF ARRESTING AND HANDLING SUSPECTS’ 28.10.2018

MoFPED Matia Kasaija letter to All Development Partners: “Re: Clarification on the Decision of Cabinet of the Republic of Uganda Concerning the Reorganization of Government Institutions” (26.09.2018)

Kawooya admitted to Kampala Hospital after getting bond: Police Brutality as its worse!

On Thursday the 18th October 2018, in the middle of the street and while people where watching in the street. Armed men was using their guns to hit individual there. His name was Yusuf Kawooya a Young Uganda Democrat (YUD) Member. This was a fierce arrest on Colville Street near King Church in the midst of Kampala. The video of the arrest went viral.

While he was taken for unknown reasons and was arrested with mere brutality, later found out the same people left him detained at the SIU Kireka. Which is sort of the new Nalufenya. The place where you sent when your really into trouble and has issues with the state. Even if Nalufenya is closed, the practices of that place lingers on. The torture and pains of people are evident.

The Police and the Security Organizations of the state was really at it, as the Chief of Military Intelligence (CMI) officers was behind the arrest and detained him. Where they went in on him, apparently. Since on the 24th October, he was released on bond by help from MP Michael Kabaziguruka. So, that he gotten free, after they did all of this, because the Security Organizations alleged that Kawooya hit on Presidents car, when he visited Owino Market on the 6th of October 2018.

This seems more like an attack on the YUD member, which was deliberate and made to show a signal, that he was a “Bad DP”. Like the President has talked about in the past. They sent the men to the streets, they hit with their guns and now after days in arrests. He is released and has to get specialized treatment at Kampala Hospital. That is what the state does to you.

Yusuf is yet another example, in a long list of political operatives who are badly hurt or in constant distress, because of their political affiliation or their message. Something, that has been actively done against the opposition. There are so many walking with Cains and Wheelchairs because of their political stance. That it shows their battle against the dictatorship, as they are victims to his oppression and lack of tolerance.

What we have seen today, is that the victim and not even a prosecuted felon. Has been tortured by the state officers and on bond. Because they think or alleging crimes on him. There is no proof of it, therefore, this a political act to spread more fear. As they did it publicly and has shown no signs of truthful exercise any legal remedies or trying to tell the public what went down. This seems like a show of force and not of an arrest.

This is a bad sign and shows how impunity and lack rule of law. When the ISO, CMI, Special Force Command and other Security Organizations can do this to civilians and get away with it. That he is out on bond is good, but still. With this sort of state, they will pursuit him and prolong the case for years if needed.

Yusuf will be picked up again. Maybe not early, but later. This is not over. Another proof of the violent tyranny of Museveni. Peace.