By Irene Kabakama
Kombucha manufacturers have been urged to observe compliance by embracing usage of digital stamps. This call was made by Robert Amanya, the Ag. manager DTS enforcement in an engagement between URA and the producers of kombucha at URA headquarters in Nakawa.
The meeting was convened to discuss the persistent non-compliance towards digital stamps from the players in this sector.
Since its introduction 2019, DTS has seen LED collections from the Kombucha sector grow from UGX 6 billion to 12 billion shillings. This can however be increased if all players comply.
It is against this background that Amanya called upon the manufacturers to affix stamps on their products and avoid the penalties come with non-compliance.
On their part, the manufacturers led by their chairman Sam Turyatunga raised concerns on the high cost of the stamps, no refunds on LED, high taxes and harshness from the URA enforcement officers. They also asked for more convenient means of communication like WhatsApp.
Cognizant of the shortfalls, Amanya explained that some of the issues raised were beyond URA but assured them of URA’s commitment towards being a business enabler promising to engage the Ministry of Finance Planning & Economic Development(MOFPED) on the same. He further called for quarterly engagements to solidify the partnership.
Some of manufacturers in attendance included; Kituzi drink, Ntugasaze Kombucha, Kabiriti, Chamuka, Tusembaamba enterprises among others.
