Ntungamo District Local Government is intensifying its campaign to inform residents about a six-percent property tax on commercial buildings in designated commercial centres. The tax was approved by the district council in the previous financial year and was scheduled to start on July 1, 2026. However, months after the planned launch date, district authorities say awareness and compliance remain significant obstacles.
The property tax is calculated as six percent of annual rental income earned from commercial buildings, according to Saidat Tushabe Muhereza, chairperson of the Finance, Planning, Administration, Audit, Council and Statutory Bodies Committee of Ntungamo District Local Government. She said implementation had begun but many residents were still unfamiliar with how the tax works and when payments are collected.
The tax has prompted mixed responses across the district. Communities in Kitwe have reportedly refused to pay, while property owners in Ntungamo Municipality have shown greater compliance. Muhereza attributed some resistance to misunderstandings about the levy's purpose, saying some residents feared the district was attempting to take their money illegally.
To build support, the district is working with parish chiefs and sub-county chiefs to educate communities about the tax assessment and collection process. Muhereza emphasised that the levy is a legitimate revenue measure approved by the district council and is intended to strengthen local revenue mobilisation and increase the district's capacity to finance service delivery.