E-Mobility the Future of Transportation: Leveraging the Tax Incentives in Uganda’s Financial Year 2023/24 Budget
Uganda’s financial year 2023/24 budget was delivered on the 15th of June 2023 by The Honourable Matia Kasaija, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. The theme is “Full Monetization of Uganda’s Economy Through Commercial Agriculture, Industrialization, Expanding and Broadening Services, Digital Transformation, and Market Access.” The budget for FY 2023/24 was projected at 52.7 trillion shillings ($13.9 billion) an increase of 4.606 trillion shillings ($1.2 billion) from the previous financial year which was 48.34 trillion shillings ($12.8 billion). The budget is going to be financed by domestic revenues, budget support (loans, grants), domestic borrowing interest payments, local government revenues, and project support (external). Post Budget Engagement: To keep up with the dynamics of taxation by way of amendments in the recently read budget and their implications on Ugandans, the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) in conjunction with the Ministry of Finance organized a half-day breakfast engagement at Hotel African Kampala on the 20th of June of 2023. The event was aimed at providing a comprehensive analysis and understanding of the budget’s impact on various sectors, businesses, and the economy, fostering dialogue and collaboration among participants to share understanding, shape the implementation of the budget and enable them to adapt to changes for economic progress. One of the takes from the Post Budget Engagement was the address made by Madam Sarah Chelangat Commissioner of Domestic Tax at URA, where she talked about the new proposed Tax amendment bill 2023. She stated that; “as part of this amendment bill, a 0% import duty rate will be applicable for one year specifically for Electric Vehicles.” The Regional Trade Development Commissioner Customs (URA) Abel Kagumire also went further to talk about the Tax amendment bill 2023 on the adoption of electric vehicles, encouraging individuals and businesses to transition towards cleaner and more sustainable transportation options. In his presentation, he stated that; “We also encourage and support the Green economy, by reducing import duties, we can make electric vehicles more affordable and accessible to the public, ultimately reducing pollution levels. We are always available to clear goods imported when containers hit all our ports of entry.” Tax Amendments and Incentives: The recent tax amendments in Uganda have sparked a wave of opportunities in the emerging field of e-mobility. This progressive move by the government has not only incentivized the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) but has also attracted the attention of young entrepreneurs eager to explore the untapped potential of sustainable transportation value chains. Import Duty Exemptions: Electric Vehicle import duties are applicable at a rate of 0% for a year. The government has provided import duty exemptions for electric vehicles and related components, making EVs more affordable and accessible for Ugandan consumers. Value Added Tax Reduction: No VAT on the supply of feasibility study and design services and the supply of locally produced raw materials and inputs Income Tax Exemptions: Ten (10) year income tax exemption for companies who manufacture in the country, use at least 70% of locally sourced raw materials and employ at least 70% of the citizens. In this article, we delve into the perspective of young entrepreneurs who are excited about the incentives in the recent tax amendments (Income Tax, Value Addition Tax, 2023) and the opportunities they bring for innovation in e-mobility in Uganda. E-Mobility in Uganda In Africa, the e-mobility industry is in its early stages of development and has significant potential for growth considering its industrialization plans, landscape, young population, and development trends. Several African countries are beginning to recognize the benefits of e-mobility and are taking steps to support its growth to reduce environmental pollution, enhance security, reduce road accidents, create jobs, and develop associated technologies. East Africa has reportedly been at the epicenter of Africa’s radical transition to electric transportation, according to the Kenya-based Organization for Electric Mobility and Development in Africa (AEMDA). Rwanda and Uganda are among those leading the transition towards sustainable electric transportation in East Africa. In 2014, the Government of Uganda incorporated Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC) to advance e-mobility through the transfer of technologies, localizing the supply chains, and engaging in contract manufacturing of electric vehicles. Since then, the E-mobility industry in Uganda has gained traction from both government and the private sector stakeholders. At the 2022 year-end, the President announced during the national address that the government will provide electric motorcycles as a trade-in option for those currently riding internal combustion engine (ICE) motorcycles. The government is engaging private e-mobility operators and international development partners to explore ways to transition sustainably to greater use of EVs. The Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Transport has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with an electric company named SPIRO to deploy more than 140,000 electric two-wheelers in the Uganda market over the next five years and over 3000 recharging and battery swapping stations across the county to support this transition. This is in line with the NDP III which guides the strategic implementation of government priorities as well as with Vision 2040 which stresses sustainable development through climate-friendly technologies. Opportunities in E-Mobility for Young Uganda Entrepreneurs The tax amendments have paved the way for numerous opportunities in e-mobility, particularly for young entrepreneurs seeking to contribute to the sustainable development of Uganda. Here are some key opportunities: Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations: Young entrepreneurs can explore opportunities to partner with manufacturing companies to establish or operate EV charging stations, both in Urban centers and major transportation routes. This can involve setting up charging networks, providing innovative charging solutions, and leveraging renewable energy sources for charging stations. Electric moto-bikes: Young entrepreneurs can establish businesses focused on distributing, or providing rental services or get training to work with companies for electric moto-bikes. This includes developing partnerships with manufacturing companies, and local communities, and implementing sharing programs. Developing Smart Mobile Solutions: Entrepreneurs can leverage technology to enhance user experience and streamline the transition towards e-mobility such as apps for EV charging station locators, route planners, energy management systems, App translators to local languages for friendly