Da Dona
JF-Expert Member
- Dec 16, 2025
- 1,160
- 653
Property owners in Kiriri Trading Centre, Mpenja Sub-county, Gomba District, are demanding answers over a property tax they say was introduced without adequate explanation or consultation.
The landlords say they have been served with demand notices requiring them to pay taxes on rental houses, business premises and even boys’ quarters attached to their homes. They question the legal basis of the levy, how it is calculated and why it is being imposed on Kiriri.
Some landlords, including retirees who depend on rental income, say the tax has put additional pressure on their businesses, with some tenants reportedly leaving after rent was increased to cover the new costs.
The affected residents say they sought help from Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara, who they claim directed Gomba district leaders to meet them within 14 days. They allege that the meeting never happened and that more demand notices have since been issued.
They are also questioning why Kiriri is being subjected to the levy despite not having town council status, while they say other urban centres in Gomba, such as Kanoni and Maddu, are not facing similar charges.
The landlords recently held a peaceful demonstration, calling for the tax to be reviewed or scrapped.
But what exactly is the tax, who is legally responsible for collecting it, and how is it being calculated?
Johnbosco Segirinya, Chairperson of Mpenja Sub-county, says the levy did not originate from the sub-county but from Gomba District.
“The tax that the landlords are talking about comes directly from the district. It was the district that instructed all sub-counties in Gomba District to collect it.”
Segirinya said the sub-county is therefore implementing a district directive and is not responsible for introducing the tax.
Gomba District officials, including the district chairperson and Chief Administrative Officer, could not be reached for comment.
What do you think? Should property owners in Kiriri pay the levy, or should the district first explain its legal basis, calculation and purpose to residents?
