Uganda Approves Nearly Shs15 Billion in Tax Relief for State Printing Corporation and University

Uganda’s Parliament has approved tax relief amounting to approximately Shs14.97 billion for two institutions facing significant financial difficulties: the Uganda Printing and Publishing Corporation (UPPC) and Ankole Western University.

The decision was reached on Thursday, November 12, 2026, following the presentation of reports by Parliament’s Committee on Finance, Planning and Economic Development.

Under the approved arrangement, UPPC will receive tax relief worth approximately Shs13.9 billion, while Ankole Western University has been granted a waiver of about Shs1.02 billion.

Why UPPC Needed Government Intervention

UPPC, a government-owned printing and publishing corporation, accumulated substantial tax liabilities amid financial challenges and delayed payments from government agencies.

According to the committee’s findings, government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) owe the corporation approximately Shs11.85 billion for services already provided.

These government institutions account for more than 90 per cent of UPPC’s customer base, with a significant portion of outstanding payments remaining unpaid for over a year.

The situation has affected the corporation’s ability to meet its financial obligations and maintain its operations.

Lawmakers Raise Questions Over the Tax Waiver

Although Parliament approved the relief, some legislators questioned whether granting the waiver was the best solution, particularly when government agencies themselves owe UPPC substantial amounts.

A minority report argued that recovering the outstanding Shs11.85 billion from government institutions could provide sufficient funds for the corporation to settle its principal tax obligations.

Other lawmakers also raised concerns about how government agencies could be held accountable for delayed payments.

Finance Minister Henry Musasizi defended the intervention, arguing that UPPC is a wholly government-owned institution that should be supported to remain operational.

Ankole Western University Also Benefits

Ankole Western University was granted approximately Shs1.02 billion in tax relief following years of financial and administrative difficulties.

The institution’s challenges were linked to internal conflicts within the West Ankole Diocese, which affected its governance, student enrolment and revenue generation.

The committee warned that continued tax enforcement could threaten the university’s operations, disrupt the education of more than 1,000 students and put staff employment at risk.

What This Means for Uganda’s Economy

The approval highlights the government’s efforts to support struggling public institutions and organisations facing financial difficulties.

However, the decision has also renewed discussions about public debt, tax administration, government accountability and the importance of timely payments for services provided by government-owned businesses.

For UPPC, recovering outstanding payments from government agencies will remain essential to improving its financial position and ensuring the long-term sustainability of its operations.

Key Figures:

• Total approved tax relief: Approximately Shs14.97 billion.
• UPPC tax waiver: Approximately Shs13.9 billion.
• Ankole Western University tax waiver: Approximately Shs1.02 billion.
• Outstanding payments owed to UPPC by government agencies: Shs11.85 billion.

Date of Approval: November 12, 2026.

Source: Parliament of the Republic of Uganda, distributed through APO Group.