Uganda, April 4 -- Government, in its latest raft of budget proposals, has introduced a Shs1,550 tax on a litre of petrol and diesel and at the same time is also looking to impose a Shs500 levy on each litre of kerosene - a product largely used by the poor and low income earners.

Should the government have its way, then the compounding effect will be far-reaching.

Tax experts and analysts alike have described this development as unnecessary, given its timing, thanks to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the economy. Already, the pump price is exorbitant compared to pre-Covid-19 pandemic times.

Therefore, the proposal contained in the Excise Duty amendment Bill introducing new taxes on fuel at best is looking to deepen rather than ...