By Sekaggya Seka Moses
Uganda’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, expressed deep concerns over the rising cost of living in Uganda, citing increasing prices of essential commodities, high taxes, and rampant unemployment as major contributors to the problem.
Mao, who was the leader of the Democratic Party (DP), an opposition party in Uganda, before his surprise defection to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party, lamented the fact that citizens are struggling to make ends meet due to the high cost of living.
He specifically mentioned the rising price of sugar, a commodity that is produced locally, as an example of the government’s failure to address the needs of its citizens.
Mao emphasized the need for collective action to address these issues, saying: “It is hard to live in Uganda these days due to the increase in prices of edible commodities, more so sugar which is also made in Uganda.
It is a pity for the citizens because the hands of the citizens are tied indirectly through levying high taxes.
Above all, unemployment which is the primary cause of poverty in the various parts of the country.
Lastly, people work hard and get some capital to start a small business and it collapses due to high taxes.
Time has come that we have to say no to this regime that cannot fix all these problems.Let’s not leave work only in the hands of civil society and human rights activists, let’s also join the struggle, our future is in our hands.”
However, since his appointment as Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs in July 2022, Mao’s vocal criticism of the government has been noticeably muted.
It remains unclear whether the issues he highlighted have been addressed, but it is evident that many Ugandans continue to struggle with the same problems, including high prices, unemployment, and poverty.
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