MPs cheer Finance Bill changes

DAR ES SALAAM: MEMBERS of Parliament yesterday overwhelmingly welcomed amendments made to the Finance Bill, 2026, describing them as a major relief to citizens following the government’s decision to accommodate recommendations made by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Budget.

During debate on the bill in the National Assembly, lawmakers from different constituencies commended the government for listening to Parliament and stakeholders by withdrawing or revising several tax measures that had raised concerns.

Among the most celebrated changes was the removal of a proposed five per cent excise duty on motorcycles and the withdrawal of plans to increase motorcycle registration fees from 95,000/- to 150,000/-.

MP Bahati Ndingo (Mbarali-CCM) said the government had demonstrated responsiveness by accepting the committee’s recommendations.

“The government had proposed a five per cent levy on motorcycles and an increase in registration fees from 95,000/- to 150,000/-. This proposal was strongly opposed by many MPs because of the important role played by boda boda operators in our communities,” Ms Ndingo said. “

There is no constituency in this country that does not recognise the contribution of boda boda operators.

“We told the government this proposal was not practical, and I am grateful that it listened and removed it.” She noted that thousands of young Tanzanians depend on the motorcycle transport business for their livelihoods and that the withdrawal of the proposal would help protect jobs and incomes.

Contributing, legislator Joseph Kamonga (LudewaCCM) echoed similar sentiments, saying Parliament had successfully persuaded the government to remove provisions that would have placed unnecessary burdens on citizens.

He said the process demonstrated the constitutional role of Parliament in law-making and oversight.

“The government was prepared to listen to the committee even on issues that could reduce revenue because the objective was to protect citizens,” Mr Kamonga said.

He also praised the decision to scrap taxes affecting boda boda operators and welcomed the government’s move to abandon a proposed levy on locally produced sugar.

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According to Mr Kamonga, sugar is a basic commodity used in virtually every household, particularly by children and patients.

“Every family uses sugar. Taxing locally produced sugar would have increased the cost of living for ordinary Tanzanians. The government has made the right decision by taxing imported sugar instead,” he said.

Dr Pindi Chana (Special Seats-CCM) also applauded the government’s decision to remove the proposed levy on locally produced sugar, arguing that the measure would have fuelled inflation and increased the cost of food.

“The population of Tanzania is more than 64 million people and almost every family uses sugar every day. Any increase in sugar taxes would affect food prices, including products sold by small entrepreneurs,” Dr Chana said.

Dr Chana also welcomed the government’s decision to abandon additional taxes on boda boda operators, noting that the sector provides employment opportunities to a large number of young people across the country.

“These young people help transport schoolchildren, goods and passengers. The government has shown that it understands their contribution to the economy,” she said.

The legislator further praised reforms allowing five per cent of local government own-source revenues to be dedicated to improving infrastructure that supports women traders and entrepreneurs.