Women in business across Ankole districts are voicing concerns over heavy taxation burdening their small enterprises, urging the government to reconsider its tax policies to prevent business decline.

During the MUBS Glow Innovation training in Mbarara City on Friday, women entrepreneurs revealed that despite receiving loans and grants to boost their businesses, they are hindered by multiple taxes, leading to reduced profitability.

"Uganda Revenue is taxing us from all angles. At the end of the day, businesses are left with minimal profits after paying numerous taxes," said Faridah Mutambara, a businesswoman from Bushenyi.

Mutambara emphasized the detrimental impact of excessive taxation on women-owned businesses, calling on the government to reevaluate its tax approach to support business sustainability.

Conceptah Natukunda, a farmer in Biharwe Mbarara, highlighted the challenges of tax assessment, urging for on-ground evaluations to determine fair tax amounts.

Juliet Nabakoza, a merchandise trader in Mbarara City, echoed similar sentiments, stressing the need for favorable tax policies to promote women entrepreneurship.

Acknowledging the tax burden faced by businesses, Didas Muhanguzi, the Clerk of Mbarara City South Division, urged formal business registration and collective tax contributions to alleviate tax pressures.

Additionally, Makerere University Business School, in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development, is planning to introduce a curriculum to train women entrepreneurs in business and entrepreneurship skills. This initiative aims to empower women to effectively utilize the $217 million grant from the World Bank.

According to Professor Moses Muhwezi, the Principal of MUBS, the curriculum will equip women with essential business knowledge to enhance their enterprises' growth.

Despite the support for women entrepreneurs, challenges such as taxation persist. Professor Muhwezi pledged to address these concerns by engaging relevant government agencies.

Dr. Dianah Ntamu, the Director of Entrepreneurship Innovation and Incubation Centre at MUBS, reiterated the institution's commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs and providing them with comprehensive training on tax obligations.