As of July 1, 2013, Uganda introduced an 18% VAT on accommodation and water supplies outside of Kampala. Tanzania initially also imposed this tax, but later rescinded after reconsidering its potential adverse effect on their tourism sector.

Kenya did not impose it either. Although the tourism sector has opposed this tax because of its negative impact on tourism to Uganda, the government has yet to decide if they will rescind this tax or not.  So expect to pay more if you’re booking Uganda in the foreseeable future, not something the tourism sector wants, but they don’t have a choice.