BY S KWAGALA
The Women’s Probono Initiative- WPI is suing government at the High Court over inclusion of 18 percent taxation on all diapers.
On May 4,2023, the parliament of Uganda took a decision to include the diapers among taxable goods. Before then, the adult diapers were exempted because of the unique needs and challenges of people who require their use.
A press statement from lawyers at WPI led by Kwagala Primah in part reads; “At the Women’s Probono Initiative, we strongly believe that these essential commodities should not be subject to taxation, and we have today sought the Intervention of the High Court to review the Ugandan government’s move to impose 18% taxation on all diapers.”
Trust GEEPAS 4 Genuine Electronics:0707080087
According to the lawyers, taxation of the diapers burdens the vulnerable including women that suffer irreparable tears during child birth, persons with disabilities, the elderly and their care takers including medical personnels and care givers.
WPI states that exemption from taxes would alleviate financial strain which is already challenge to those that rely on these diapers due to health care expenses.
“As civil society and actors in the women’s movement, we believe that this decision by the parliament not only undermines the provision of healthcare and dignified living for those in need but also perpetuates the systemic discrimination against women especially those who suffer from fistula, those with severe mental illness and those who use these diapers to manage their monthly periods.”
The advocacy group also pointed out that in a world where inclusivity, empathy, and support are crucial tenets of society, the burden imposed by taxation on adult diapers is inconsistent with these values.
In a bid to see that this decision is revoked, WPI called on members of the Judiciary to acknowledge the nature of the issue and take steps to exempt adult diapers from taxes.
Implementing agencies; Uganda Revenue Authority and the Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development have also been summoned to listen to the voices of advocacy groups and those burdened by the decision.
The Ministry of Health estimates that at least 200,000 women in Uganda are living with fistula and 1,900 new cases occur each year, which places demand for adult diapers.