Ugandan VAT- travellers pay up

THE newly introduced 18%
VAT on all accommodation
in Uganda has resulted in
some properties having
to increase their rates to
make up the loss.
Roni Madhvani, director
of Madhvani Group in
Uganda, says: “The
implementation of the
new accommodation VAT
in Uganda unfortunately
could not have come
at a worse time for the
sector. Tourism in Uganda
and in East Africa has
already been crippled
by prevailing broader
issues.”
Roni said: “In this
dire situation, with
occupancies already in
decline, accommodation
providers in Uganda no
longer have the ability to
absorb any part of the
resultant price increase
due to VAT.”
Sanctuary Retreats
recently announced
that, following the
implementation of VAT, it
would be increasing its
rates for Sanctuary Gorilla
Forest Camp by 10%.
The new VAT charge was
officially implemented on
September 1 and the new
rates already apply to all
new bookings.