Iganga, Uganda: The Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Iganga, Hamwada Ismael Pinto, has pledged to engage President Yoweri Museveni to secure tax exemption for Musana Community Development Organization (MCDO) to enable it to expand its services across Busoga and beyond.
Speaking during the organisation’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at Sol View Hotel in Iganga Town, Hamwada said MCDO’s impact on communities is significant but constrained by high tax burdens.
“We were pleased to learn about their contributions to communities, but unfortunately they are hindered by huge taxes. As the office of the RDC, we are going to write and ask the President to grant tax exemption to the organization,” he said.
Musana Community Development Organization operates in Iganga, Kaliro, Kamuli, Mayuge, and Budaka districts, where it has established primary and secondary schools, community health centres, skills empowerment hubs, and hospitality facilities.
The organisation has directly impacted thousands of residents through education, healthcare, and employment, with at least 800 people currently employed across its projects.
Hamwada noted that several organisations delivering critical social services have been limited by taxation, forcing some to scale down or close operations.
Local leaders in Iganga have pledged support to strengthen Musana’s work, including infrastructure improvements.
Community Development Officer Kaaka Hussein said efforts are underway to upgrade the Kaliro–Kikongola road, which connects to Musana Primary School. “We shall support by improving access routes to ease service delivery and community access,” he noted.
The Organization’s Chief Executive Officer, Haril Isabirye Kazindra, said the organisation’s growth is anchored on shared values, sustainability, and community ownership.
“Shared values are very important because they align our mission and vision. We work with people who believe in transforming communities and take ownership of what we do,” Kazindra said.
He added that the organisation prioritises financial sustainability rather than relying solely on donor funding, enabling it to expand services consistently.
Musana Schools Principal Mike Nalugoda revealed plans to establish more health centres in Mayuge and Budaka districts as part of the organisation’s integrated development model.
“We ensure that in every district we establish five key projects: a primary school, a secondary school, a community health centre, a skills empowerment centre, and a hotel,” Nalugoda said.
He noted that the expansion into Mayuge and Budaka has already begun with schools, with health facilities expected to follow.
The AGM brought together stakeholders from all districts where the organisation operates, reviewing achievements from 2025 and outlining priorities for 2026.
Leaders say securing tax relief could significantly boost Musana’s capacity to scale its interventions and reach more underserved communities.
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