Taxes and Fees Companies Forward to Customers

Profit Maximization Strategies

In the name of making maximum profits, companies devise and deploy numerous strategies. The commonly used are massive marketing and advertising, investing in impressive branding to "lure" clients, selling as much at a low price but overall utilizing the philosophy of keeping costs of production as low as possible. Whether the company is in service or product business, the same concepts apply.

Taxes, Fines and Legal fees

Its obvious, businesses  incur an enlisted number of costs which include fixed costs (salaries, rent and administration), cost of goods sold (costs of production), marginal costs (expansion capital) among others. Companies and Businesses break even and make profits  after mastering the equation and formula of registering costs/expenses that are lower than the profits/incomes. 

A key cost that businesses are supposed to incur and remit to governments are taxes, fees and fines. Without rationalizing, companies have "hidden" these obligatory costs within the price tag that the final consumers part with at the counter. Shouldn't companies incur some or part of these taxes instead of transferring them to the customers? As a result, when taxes and fees change so do the price of consumable commodities however there are other forces that may cause a drastic price change on a product or service. When price changes becomes more frequent, rapid and aggressive the phenomena would or could be referred to as inflation. Inflation also occurs when there is too little to purchase (supply) by too many buyers (demand), business would rather stay in operation on less stock by hiking prices

Central Bank Rates and Loan Interest Rates

Central Banks in different countries do regulate inflationary tendencies by reducing the money in circulation through an adjustment (decrease, maintaining or increase) the rate at which Commercial Banks borrow from Central Banks also called the "Central Bank Rate". Since Commercial Banks are outlets through which citizens access monies to circulate, Commercial Banks inturn increase the rate at which they lend to individuals thus reducing the power to purchase that individual may have. This is another form of transfer of fees/charges to the final consumer.

Recently, Bank of Uganda announced a massive reduction of the CBR to a record tune of 17%. Unfortunately, no commercial bank in Uganda has followed suit to spare Ugandans another transfer of a high cost of accessing a loan facility.

Uganda's Tax Amnesty Reality

Provoked by a Daily Monitor(one of Uganda's print media houses) Article of December 2007, a series of questions run through my mind especially on the sources of revenue (income) that Uganda is meant to draw from to facilitate her expenditure throughout a financial year - apparently almost all my debates are partially settled in the elaborations of the Columnist's script.

Looking back to FY 2007/2008, the Ministry of Finance with implementing agent being Uganda Revenue Authority  tax and fees defaulters moreso businesses (and individuals) were offered asylum (amnesty) and their debts were written off. The basis and rationale for this move would be (was) to morale boost Business activities among those ventures that were failing to declare and pay taxes.

Whether this is (was) a win-win or win-loss scenario, the compromise and impact definitely is (was) obvious. Simply put, sources from which revenue to fund government programs are actually reduced in the writing off process. A lieu way could have been opted for to ensure that government gets a percentage of these outstanding debt. Abjectly, couldn't the government think of letting these business pay in installments, couldn't investigations be made into ascertaining the reasons for not complying to tax demands by these defaulting businesses?

In this case, Uganda Revenue Authority ought to rethink, restructure and restrategize approaches to ensure that creative and feasible avenues of collecting revenue are initiated - a challenge many Revenue bodies across the East African Community countries have failed to address fully

Uganda Revenue Authority is meant to raise almost 70% of the amount of funds (monies) Government is meant to spend in all Sectors including Health, Education and Water. With due respect and credit, the tax agency has done an incredible job although deterred by malfeasance and fraud. With the quality of service delivery dropping every passing month, shouldn't we as a Nation continue to raise funds to invest to the failing sectors instead of reducing means through which revenue is collected?

In Search of A Blessing!

Jacob [the bible Jacob] knew what it meant to have a blessing from a father and for that reason he told and did all he could with the support of his mother to earn and retain that blessing. Not so long a ago, 4pm of 16.10.10 found me on a mini-bus headed to the other side of the world to find my father who has been partially instrumental in my upbringing [Mum and Dad separated during my early childhood, about 3years]. Keep in prayer everytime you are at it, all the single mothers in this world!

My journey to the land of restoration and recovery was a testing journey that only can be described in mini titles [the call to the blessing, the inspiration to the blessing, the long wait for the blessing, the journey to the blessing, the fears toward the blessing, the encounter with the blessing, the transformation of the blessing, the preparation for the blessing, walking and retaining your blessing and is still more from the blessing]. Hopefully, the next posts will unfold each of these smaller journeys

Of the mini titles/stages of the blessings, where do you fall?

Come Back...

Consistency and Commitment are two fundamental characters [elements] that are overlooked and neglected by several yet critical once mastered. Before explaining the test of my own consistency and commitment, let me advise everyone that easily identifies themselves with the term World Changer nurtures the habit of making periodic and individual assessment specifically on these attributes.

Am a firm believer of prayer [don't ever forget to use the clause in the name of Jesus as you make those quiet time prayers, Paul reminds us of the power that lies in the name of Jesus. At the Announcing of His NAME every knee shall bow and every tongue confess HE IS LORD]. Once prayer is supplemented by FAITH, the results are incredible. There seasons when am able to pray with ease and profoundly longer than usual. Statistically put, time spent in prayer is indirectly proportion to the prayer answers and time it takes to have the delivery made. The big question is why can't Dennis [We] be consistent in manner of prayer, why is this season and practice so short lived? You are not alone in this occurrence of events, sometimes God empties us to fill us up.

Almost 2 Years ago, blogging was introduced to my world. Knowing very well how mighty power hidden in blogging then, my consistent, passionate and commitment were burning hot to even melt down any Iceblock bigger than one that brought down the titanic. My blogging inconsistency has been tested [and tasted] overtime and the results have been are evident [See Archives]. On a rather good note, am making a come back into the blogging world/industry. Whatever the hindrances were[travels to remote places, the excuse of being busy, lack of gadgets to blog wherever], am reminded that AM AN OVER-COMER.

Busyness & Blogging...

Research Approach...
From my professional training (statistical computing), before you make any attempt to design a solution for a problem, it is commendable to make a genuine research about a problem and then you can mechanizes an "informed" solution.

Prior this article, I did make a google search and research on fellow bloggers who might have handled the experience of blogging even amidst a busy schedule and my results as you may notice were quite shallow if not nothing at all. Is there somebody out there to help out with this issue?

October 2009 Resolution...
Am committing to posting at least an article once on a weekly basis, if only I can graciously maintain that pattern then I'll be back again at blogging on a more regular basis. Maybe I could borrow from Jim Rohn's words of wisdom "One discipline always leads to another discipline."

You Need More Than A Map...

Travel Lessons...
Whilst traveling around Uganda since the year 2009, one highlight is worth mentioning! It is the same spirit, same faith and same baptism, the variations is in colour, height and language. For every journey you do need a guide (of which I have been for so years now), am glad we have the Holy Spirit who guides and guards us.

Amidst a slum around Uganda, Kampala-we came across a sign post which read "Computer School 3rd Floor", am glad there wasn't a grand prize for the person who could identify the 3rd floor but all the same we failed to picture where the floor was-the more reason you need a guide because sometimes the signposts can be misleading. In Life we are signposts, where are you or better stated in which direction are you pointing the many people who look to you as a mentor, friend or even advisor?

Testimonies series...
While meditating on John 4-5, am amazed and challenged by how a testimony of only but one Samaritan woman made many believe that Jesus was the redeemer and restorer of a once torn apart nation thereby becoming Christians. She just packaged well and communicated with simplicity her experience with God and just like that many believed. In April 09, I shared with a friend about my desire to compile testimonies (people's experiences on how God has worked greatly in their lives, maybe through divine healing or providence of money) and post them on this blog, of course he shared it was a great! Am now looking out for people who can share their testimonies with us on blog to see my heart's desire granted. That testimony and evidence of what God is doing in our lives can also be a sign post

One Year Annivesary

Wow,
It has been slightly above 1year now since friends introduced me to the world of blogging. Looking back at the articles and trend of posting on this blog, one can't help but notice that there has been somewhat inconsistency. Last week, a couple of old and new friends awakened yet again the passion to blog again, in the meantime let me process the so many posts I have been thinking through.

Access Uganda 2009

My nature of work with Compassion International has certainly left me with a debt to pay as far as participating and helping out in my home church's ministry operations. After so much consideration, this year am planning on involving myself with a mission team that will head out to Northern Uganda and help out in whatever way we can victims of the different atrocities that have come as a result of the 22 years old war. I will post more on the strategy and approach will shall take, am sure together we can!

Happy New Year

Legendaries, God's Generals

You need re-energizing and a big push in that church or fellowship ministry you are operating in? Here is quick medicine that any good friend would prescribe for you. Read God's General (why some succeeded and why some failed). There is alot to learn from in this book. God's Generals an inspirational books by Roberts Liardon (Robert brings different versions of God's general. God's Generals - The Roaring Reformers. God's Generals - The Revivalists). Havent read most of the book but one page makes want to flip and turn to another, join me on this.

Am still wondering why I don't ever finish books everytime I start reading books? Would need counsel on this honestly! In my search about Smith Wigglesworth, I came across a blog specially dedicated to publishing his sermons. Please check out

Psalm 1:1 - 2...

Emanating from Animal Kingdom...

Misery and loneliness can easily be read on the face a disastered buffalo though it takes 6 strong Lions to take this buffalo down. Looking around myself and what sorrounds me, I told myself I should learn from my sorrounding be it animals or plants or birds for the fact that God is the creator of all and am sure he took so much time in creating even the minutest protozoa or amoeba you can ever imagine. I took special focus on the Buffalo.

Most Buffaloes would live in a herd with over 100 male and female buffaloes, there is always one dominant male in the one single herd and guess what every buffalo would respects that dominant buffalo. Lesson one: For every individual, we can easily divide his "life" in small segments or sections. These sections or segments of life can be social, economic, emotional or even spiritual. The Big question at this point in relation to dominancy, Is what area of your life is dominant or what area of your life do you give priority to? What you give priority to, determines your daily actions and your walk on earth.

Continuing with the buffalo world, once the dominant male either misbehaves (tries to mate with younger female buffaloes) or is unable to protect the herd he is forced out of the group to a solitary life and place by the upcoming young male buffaloes (You can call this disciplinary). Solitary buffaloes are the most dangerous and miserable though greatest fighters. Lesson Two: How often do we accept our mistakes and actually without making so much noise over the magnitude of punishment given try to learn from our past terrible experiences.

Try to search about animals and birds or even trees, there are lessons embedded under their physical features or even way of life that you could learn lots from.

You Need to Travel Around Uganda...

Been traveling around Uganda with Compassion, which explains what you could call either irregular or abandoned posting. Several experiences have hit me on my adventures in the rural and urban Uganda. I would love to unfold some observations and adventures that made me wonder in awe of God's wisdom and sovereignty and also man's innovativeness.

National Park Experiences...
In September 2008, pacing through Murchison Falls National Park, the Park Guide explained that most of the palm trees are planted by Elephants. "Wow, hold it", was my expressed until he explained the whole process (Elephants go around chewing palms like human beings do walk around chewing gum on streets. Elephants litter the seeds wherever and finally the seeds spring up. Before everybody knows it we have palm trees all the place)

Names of Places...
Am moving around Kasese Streets (South Western Uganda) looking out for hotels, we came across several restaurants and hotels named after great American, Australia and European cities (StarBucks, MacDonalds) but nothing close to Culture, Coffee or foods could be found in these places. What got my ribs really hurting because I couldnt stop laughing was my encounter with Uganda London Bridge (small trench culvert,see photo),call it anything but am thinking it was appropriate name isn't it?

God's Lessons...
With every trip that I embarked on, my first prayer point would be can you please teach me something on this escapade my Lord and King. Need to mention,you have the opportunity of learning lots while travelling. As you travel you will do realise, you have more ample time to think and or rethink through lots of your personal areas of life. God in response, will reveal to you so much about the plans He has install for you. Next time you are traveling, top of your packing list should a pen and book, Remember Habakkuk 2:2-3

Scarcity List....

Lately in Uganda, prices of everything single commodity and service has been hitting the skies. Given an opportunity to compile a list of all that is becoming expensive and now being classified as luxurious no longer a neccessity to many, it would be endless. Top of the list would be TIME, for the last nearly one month and half every activity that has been having a timeline attached to it, every second, minute and hour would cost. This explains the irregular blogging or should I say it has been a blessing in disguise! I should be able to post some experiences that I had over the last months.

Creative Bible Study Approaches

Personal Resolution...
Until mid this month, my resolution in the area of digging into the wonderful mysteries of the word of God was learning from Literature written on specific topics say Faith. My personal perspective of approaching bible learning through Books is it gives you more insights on particular themes and this bible study educative and interesting.

Aramaic, Hebrew & Greek...
In my youth years, honestly I would find some books of the bible like parts of the Chronicles boring, it would be a struggle completing them. Well, I love my the word of God and I couldnt just let the most important part of my world become boring, I improvised and devised ways of making bible learning enjoyable.

It started with buying different versions of the bible then I made sure everywhere I went I had a bible on my laptop, on my Ipod and on my phone. That way I have somewhat a place to run to incase I need to make any references. I have thought of reading books of the law only for a month, prophetic books... I have came up with all bible study approaches to make the walk and the run with the King of Kings memorable. So whats yours?

School Memories... Now Nomore....

Christian Religious Education in Schools...
In the old,we only got to know that Joseph was the earthly Father of Jesus and Virgin Mary the Mother because Primary and Secondary Schools provided room for Children to learn about Religion although more light would be shade every time our parents dragged us to Sunday School surprisingly we would enjoy Sunday School once we got there. Stories of how small David smote giant Goliath, Joseph the second youngest of Jacob's sons became a "Vice President" in alien country would make your day and we really education. We enjoyed these times and these breath taking wouldn't discriminate, the Muslims too would learn more about Christianity.

It is a tragedy that our government here in Uganda is billing policies and with so much effort discussing the deleting Religious Education off the School Curriculum, shall we be left with anyway of ministering to our children at a tender age?

Proverbs 22:6...
Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.

Invention/Innovation Vs Repulication/Repitition..

First Series of Cellphones In Uganda...

Approximately 10 years back when cellphones flocked the Ugandan community for the very first time, you had to trade one of your valuables to purchase one [US$555]. Maintaining the phone [credit and other assorted services] was also another story, you had to trade your next valuable or you had to work much harder. With this trend only a small percentage of Ugandans could afford cellphones. The Marketing personnel called it a new Innovation in the country, was it actually?

By definition, Innovation possibly means both radical and incremental changes in thinking, in things, in processes or in services. Invention which is normally confused with Innovation. Invention gets out in to the world is innovation, if anything Invention is a new form, composition of matter, device or process. I have fallen victim of purchasing fake products and lousy services because of somebody using an enticing and misappropriated word.

Ecclesiastes 1:9-11...

That which has been is what will be,That which is done is what will be done, And there is nothing new under the sun. Is there anything of which it may be said, “ See, this is new”? It has already been in ancient times before us. There is no remembrance of former things, nor will there be any remembrance of things that are to come by those who will come after.

The "new" invented products and services we do spend most of our savings on or actually take mortagages for, are they actually new invention or innovations or they are republication of what happened in the old..

Smart Leaders

I have been digging into the secrets behind good leadership and my digging escapades have got my shelf covered with Books that atleast have the word Leader in their Title. In depth length and in a more persuading manner am convinced beyond doubt we are all leaders wherever we are not neccessarily because there are numerous people we lead but because "exert" influence in one way or the other. What then makes you a smart leader? It is definite that most peole will follow good and smart leader because they can be trusted and for anything the follower has confidence the leader has answers.

Exercise intergrity [truthfulness and honesty], Demonstrate understanding when dealing with otherm this makes you approachable, Practice good management skills - excellent planning, coordination, & good communication, Act or Behave responsibly. Good leaders are always learning and making effort to improve leadership Skills. There are several aspects that need sharpening in each individual to acquire a mature level of leadership, intergrity is primary in all.

My trek to being a Smart Leader continues

A New Sportish World

Television Vs Radio...
Am turning on TV and 60% of the Channels are featuring Sports games which range from Soccer [apparently it seems to be every Ugandan's favourite], baseball to Wrestling. After bargaining with my ownself, I resort to turning on the Radio and well well, the story isnt any different. Was it just a wrong hour or something?

When Will it Be?...
Am looking forward to that day when all Channels both on Radio and Television will be featuring Christians telling this world about God's grace towards them, convincing multitudes that God Loves them abundantly more than they can ever think of or imagine. More so, a wish for that day when all these channels will broadcast or air to the world telling viewers and listeners of the children who are lying some where in Asia, Africa or South America in poverty& sickness, possibly audience could devise means of reaching out to these children.

Radio and Television make great evangelists of this gospel.

Mathew 28:18-20...
Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Blogging in Uganda

Blogging to Mentor..
Not so many weeks ago, we liaised with a fellowship that mentors youth in Local University here in Uganda and well our discussion zeroed on blogging to mentor more youth into responsible adult. Not so long, the fellowship started blogging on the Word of God and they explain how the Word is central in today's daily living. Different members of this fellowship post articles to help youth in this University.

This is one of their blogs that posted in this month. It was titled it "The Written Word of God"

Hebrews 4:12...
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Psalm 8:2

Children's Sunday...
I watched in awe as the children led the adults in the entirety of the 3 services from 7-9am, 9-11am and 11-1pm last Sunday at Church. Angellic sounds echoed in the air as the children led in the praise and worship sessions. As I continued to watch the little ones praise their Creator, my mind quickly transited them into adults. Indeed God has a purpose for all, I imagined what great leaders they are going to be and all. Indeed God has ordained on the mouth of the children Praise.

Surprisingly many of my church mates didn't know it was mothers day on 11th May 2008, mothers alongside their spouses were shocked when the Pastors joined by the children again cheered up in a Happy Mothers Day chorus. To all mothers, happy belated Mother day!

Psalm 8:2...
From the lips of children and infants, you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.

Concerns for Uganda...

Irregular Blogging..
Part of my irregular posting has to do with the role I play with Compassion International for the children, on the road am always in rural places where many donors', sponsors' and staffs' faithful prayers and support reach and transform communities physically. In advance, I will mention this; the next 2 months will be quite busy for me which implies less blogging! Oh how I will miss you all and blogging too...

Uganda Today...
Compassion international a child advocacy organization mission statement states that " In response to the great commission, compassion international exists an advocate for children, to release them from their spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and enable them to become responsible and fulfilled Christian adults." This is a focused and strategic direction, how I wish my country desired to move in this same direction.

Currently, in my personal opinion - Uganda is following right in the steps of Zimbabwe looking at the economic status. The prices of commodities, fuels talk about basic needs have all hiked almost to double, school tuition fees are sky rocketing. The other day while I was doing some shopping for my nephews my eyes went wide open at the sight of the price tags. Inflation season I guess!
During my home cell/bible study group last tuesday, [First Tuesdays of the month are always prayer Tuesdays] members suggested that we should pray particularly for children. Almost each of them has heard of an experience where a child was kidnapping in a shopping mall, an with serious cancer, many defilement and rape case. The children are all on attack.
On a graduation ceremony for a prominent theology school around Uganda, the guest of hour mentioned that a policy is being developed to scrab off religious education from the primary and secondary schools' curriculum. A big blow for many children!

Looking back in the past, all these occurrence were distinct. We the righteous can make a difference through reaching out to as many as we can and also making effort to remember as many as we can in our prayers.

Psalm 11:3
When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?