Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) staff in the West Nile region joined congregants at Emmanuel Cathedral in the Madi West diocese for a prayer session aimed at combating non-compliance.
The service, presided over by Rev. Jimmy Candia, brought together URA officials, religious leaders, and members of the business community to seek spiritual intervention in the battle against tax evasion in West Nile.
Rev. Candia, addressing the congregation, emphasized the moral and biblical imperative of adhering to tax regulations. “We are committed to helping the community understand that URA is not an adversary but a partner in collecting revenue for national development. Through tax collection, they contribute to the growth and prosperity of our nation,” Candia affirmed.
Bernard Kasoma, Chairperson of URA’s Staff Council, underscored the significance of tax compliance in national development efforts. “Today, I want to stress the importance of paying taxes as a fundamental contribution to essential services such as healthcare, security, and other community-based programs supported by government initiatives,” Kasoma remarked.
Kasoma further reiterated URA’s dedication to providing excellent service to taxpayers and stakeholders, particularly in the West Nile region, emphasizing their commitment to fostering mutual understanding and cooperation.
Abbey Mawerere, Northern Regional Manager of Customs, clarified URA’s mission during the visit, aiming to dispel misconceptions about their role solely as revenue collectors. “Our presence here is to debunk the misconception that we are solely interested in collecting funds. Instead, we are here to collaborate and uplift our country from economic dependency,” Mawerere affirmed.
In a demonstration of communal solidarity, URA staff in the region also made a collective contribution of UGX 4.4 million towards the purchase of musical instruments for the church, showcasing their commitment to community development beyond tax collection.