Igara Tea soldiers on amidst turbulent times
For the last two years, the tea sector has been hit with a wave of challenges that have seen it decline.
The circumstances ranging from market fluctuations to geopolitical issues have caused prices of fresh tea leaves to drop from 600 ugx to between 200 and 250 shs, according to Nayebare Robert, the general manager of the Igara Growers tea factory in Bushenyi district.
This has also caused some farmers to close shop and slash their gardens. Despite these circumstances, Igara Tea has soldiered on, surviving in business and honouring its tax obligations.
It is no surprise that the establishment is among the five being recognized for exemplary tax compliance in Bushenyi district.
During a visit to the factory yesterday, Assistant Commissioner Admin, Ishta Nazziwa Kyambadde, commended the resilience as exemplary and thanked its leadership for complying.
“Igara Tea has come up as one of the most compliant taxpayers in the region; we are here to say thank you. We know that paying taxes is hard, so when we get people who can work with us and we create a partnership, we are very grateful,” she said.
Davis Ataryeba, the station head, Bushenyi DT echoed AC’s remarks and promised to support the factory as it recovers.
“Management is aware of the challenges you are facing. Much as there are issues, you try, we commit ourselves to moving with you until this situation normalizes,” Davis said emphatically.
Igara Growers Tea Factory Limited is one of the leading manufacturers and exporters of tea in Uganda.
The factory employs over 200 staff and has contributed over 800 million Ugx in taxes in the past two years, with the major contributor being PAYE.
The factory is, however, also registered for withholding tax, VAT, and income tax.