Manufacturers are facing growing scrutiny over rising commodity prices, with allegations that some are preemptively increasing costs in anticipation of proposed tax increments for the 2026/27 financial year.

Members of Parliament on the Finance Committee say the situation is being exploited at the expense of Ugandans.

They also criticized the Private Sector Foundation Uganda for what they describe as a failure to adequately safeguard consumers.

However, Businge Rwabwogo, General Manager of Operations at Mukwano Group of Companies, dismissed the allegations.

He maintained that the increase in vegetable oil prices is driven by rising raw material costs rather than anticipated tax changes.

Meanwhile, Martin Maku of the Private Sector Foundation Uganda cautioned manufacturers against adjusting prices based on unapproved tax proposals.

He stressed that such actions are both illegal and unacceptable, noting that the national budget has not yet been passed by Parliament.

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