Residents Accuse Tax Enforcement Officers of Harassment
Residents of Nyarubanga Ward in Mbarara City North Division have raised concerns over alleged harassment by city enforcement officers during property tax collection exercises. The residents claim that enforcement personnel sometimes lock them inside their shops and homes as early as 5 a.m. in an apparent effort to compel them to pay the overdue taxes.
The accusations were voiced during a baraza meeting held at Nyarubanga Church of Uganda organized by the Office of the Resident City Commissioner (RCC). Several residents recounted distressing incidents where enforcement teams reportedly sealed them inside their premises until they settled the required taxes.
Jackline Kankunda, the Deputy RCC for Mbarara City North Division who chaired the meeting condemned the conduct of the enforcement officers. She ordered an immediate halt to such practices emphasizing that residents should not be subjected to intimidation or harassment during tax collection.
During the meeting, Kankunda also criticized LC1 chairpersons who have been accused of charging a 10 percent fee from residents seeking to use the village stamp warning that such exploitation would not be tolerated.
Gumusiriza Kyabwisho, the Mayor of Mbarara City North Division expressed his unawareness of the enforcement officers’ actions but assured residents that he would engage the division town clerk to investigate the matter and ensure that order and proper procedures are maintained during tax collection processes.
