The Indian Association Uganda has requested the Indian Government to lower import taxes, especially on coffee and cocoa.

They made the call through the visiting state minister for External Affairs, Vellamvelly Muraleedharan, during a breakfast meeting at Serena Hotel in Kampala.

The executive committee chairman of Indian Association Uganda, Rao Mohana said high taxes have been imposed on the products.

He said if taxes are reduced, they will be able to compete with other African countries and ensure that they sell the goods to India.

Sudhir Ruparelia, the founder of Ruparelia Group, one of Uganda’s largest conglomerates said countries like India are good consumers of goods and services from Uganda.

“The Chairman of Ugandan Association has been lobbying hard for India to reduce taxes on Ugandan goods. It’s important to dialogue with them to reduce taxes on our Agriculture products,’’ Ruparelia said.

(C) Henry Oyrem , minister of State for Foreign Affairs, visiting state minister for External Affairs, Vellamvelly Muraleedharan, Dr Chris Baryomunsi the minister of 1CT, Rao Mohana chairman executive committee Indian Association Uganda and members of the Indian Association Uganda pose for a photo after a breakfast meeting at Serena Hotel in Kampala. Photo by Violet Nabatanzi

Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, the minister of ICT promised that as Ugandan government they will examine the tax regime to make it friendly and favourable for business relations.

“Discussions have to be with the government in India if they are to receive imports which are coming from Uganda and other African countries, ‘

Over 27000 Indians are peacefully living in Uganda and both communities are socially and economically helping each other and working towards the development of Uganda

The Indians are estimated to contribute up to 65% of Uganda tax revenue.