Ntagali calls for tax waivers on private universities

Some of the graduands at Uganda Christian University’s 15 graduation ceremony on Friday. More than 1,200 graduates were passed out. Photo by Racheal Ajwang

What you need to know:

Rev Ntagali says it is fair to tax proprietors of education institutions who are scheming off profits but spare private institutions which serve the public good.

Mukono- The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev Stanley Ntagali, has appealed to the government to avail funds for research to private universities and also reduce taxes imposed on them.

“Government has often talked of public-private partnerships. In my opinion, there is no better display of this partnership than where a private university is supported to access all that facilitates higher quality education. I thank government that the loan scheme is tenable in both public and private universities,” Rev Ntagali said on Friday during the 15th graduation of Uganda Christian University (UCU) at the main campus in Mukono. More than 1,200 graduates were passed out.

“We want to see the same level playing field in other areas too. Government research funds for academics should be available to all universities to complete equitably without discrimination. I also believe that it is fair to tax proprietors of education.

institutions who are scheming off profits,” the archbishop added.
However, Rev Ntagali, who is also the UCU chancellor, said a difference must be drawn for private universities like UCU, which serve the public good and plough back any surpluses to develop the institution.

“If they do not give out dividends to anyone, they must be left free of income tax,” he said.

He added: “Uganda takes pride in being the centre of quality education in the heart of Africa. It is in the interest of our nation that private universities complement the public universities to ensure quality education that serve the interests of our country and region as a whole”.

Graduands challenged
He joined Prime Minister Mr Amama Mbabazi in congratulating the graduates, urging them to make the world a better place for all. Mr Mbabazi was the chief guest at the function.

Mr Mbabazi challenged the university to demonstrate innovation in churning out graduates who address the country’s needs.
This graduation ceremony coincided with the university’s 10 years anniversary since the university was granted a charter.