Agency
President Museveni has proposed a tax exemption on the salaries of scientists, arguing that their work has a tremendous impact on the country’s development.
Speaking during the launch of a Ugandan-made anti-tick vaccine at the National Livestock Resources Research Institute in Namulonge on Thursday, Museveni said the tax relief would be similar to what is exempted from soldiers and police officers.
He said he plans to propose the tax exemption under the new government he is set to assume in the coming months, and urged NRM Members of Parliament present to support the initiative.
Museveni noted that even after recent salary increases, scientists lose up to 30% in taxes, leaving them with relatively little despite the importance of their work.
The President also pledged continued support for scientists, including an additional 600 billion shillings requested by NARO to establish a pharmaceutical city.
Yona Baguma, the Director General of NARO, described the development as a long-awaited breakthrough for farmers and the government.
He noted that the state-of-the-art facility will produce vaccines capable of protecting millions of cattle while also supporting exports to neighboring countries.
