The Finance Bill 2025 has been formally referred to the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning for consideration during the ongoing parliamentary recess. This follows a resolution passed by the National Assembly on February 13, 2025, which allows the Speaker to forward priority Bills to relevant committees for review even during recess periods.
In a statement issued by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, the Finance Bill formally titled the Finance Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 19 of 2025) was confirmed as a priority piece of legislation. Its referral is in accordance with Standing Order 127, which outlines procedures for the committal of Bills to committees and ensures public participation in the legislative process.
The Speaker noted that the Leader of the Majority Party had requested the Bill be prioritized for discussion upon the House’s return from the long recess on May 27, 2025. Granting the request, the Speaker directed that Members of Parliament and the public be informed that the Committee must conduct a thorough and expedited review, including public participation, before presenting a report to the House.
The Finance Bill 2025 was tabled in Parliament on April 30, 2025, following Cabinet approval and was officially published on May 6, 2025. The Bill seeks to introduce significant amendments to various tax laws including the Income Tax Act, Value Added Tax (VAT) Act, Excise Duty Act, and the Tax Procedures Act. These changes are primarily intended to take effect from July 1, 2025, with specific provisions such as those on Advance Pricing Agreements and penalty waivers slated to begin on January 1, 2026.
The Committee’s review during the recess is part of broader efforts to maintain legislative continuity and ensure that crucial fiscal measures are addressed promptly. The Speaker has instructed the Clerk of the National Assembly to notify all MPs and facilitate the required public participation exercises.
This process is expected to ensure the timely deliberation and passage of the Finance Bill, which is central to the government’s fiscal policy and revenue generation strategy for the upcoming financial year.
