Livestock dealers in Bushenge Sector, Nyamasheke District in Western Province have decried high taxes levied by the district authorities.

The dealers say they are at times charged Rwf1,200 per head of cattle whether it is bought or not. They said the amount is above Rwf1,000 set by a 2011 Presidential Order. 

"The government should intervene because our businesses are being affected,” said Faustin Ndengeyumukiza, a trader in Bushenge sector. 

"Why should one pay tax before they sell the item? The government should intervene and save ordinary people from being exploited by tax collectors,” he added.

A piglet costs between Rwf10,000 and Rwf20,000 and a mature one is at about Rwf80,000 in Bushenge. Goats cost between Rwf12,000 and Rwf15,000, sheep Rwf20,000 and Rwf25,000 and a heifer (local breed) costs about Rwf120,000. Traders said dues range from Rwf600 to Rwf1,200.

Immaculée Mukarubuga, a farmer in Nyamasheke District, said she took a pig to the market three times and it wasn’t bought, but she forced to pay Rwf1,000 each time.

"I wanted to sell the pig and pay my children’s fees, but I have so far paid Rwf3,000 and I haven’t sold the pig yet,”said Mukarubuga, a mother of seven children.

Traders also claimed the tax collectors don’t issue them receipts after paying the dues, and that some traders connive with collectors to evade taxes or pay less.

Vincent Havugimana, the in charge of taxation in Nyamasheke District, dismissed the claims, saying all traders know the market dues they are expected to pay per market day. 

He said the tax levied on livestock (pigs, cattle, goat and sheep) were agreed on by the district council and traders before they are implemented. He added that they charge less than Rwf1,000 each, depending on the item as per Presidential rule of 2011. 

Havugimana noted there could be some people who want to confuse the public, but said the district leaders would meet the traders and farmers to clarify the matter.