An accountant, Peter Byaruhanga, accused of evading taxes worth over sh714 million by using a fraudulent Tax Identification Number (TIN), has been granted bail. The Anti Corruption Court in Nakasero, led by Chief Magistrate Joan Aciro, made the ruling on September 24, 2024.
Byaruhanga, who resides in Namusera village, Wakiso District, is facing ten charges related to the use of a false TIN and making false statements to tax authorities, which violate sections 66(2) and 67(1) of the Tax Procedures Act. He has denied all charges against him.
According to the prosecution, between December 2019 and April 2023, while overseeing the TIN and password for Jasem Agencies Ltd, Byaruhanga is alleged to have used the fake TIN to issue fraudulent invoices for supposed purchases from several companies. These companies include well-known names like La Top Shopping Point Ltd, Rhema Supermarket Uganda Ltd, National Water and Sewerage Corporation, and Family Hardware Ltd. The total value of the alleged transactions reached sh2.9 billion, resulting in a tax liability of sh714 million.
The prosecution further claims that Byaruhanga made false statements to a tax officer on several occasions in Kampala, asserting that he had purchased goods in connection with Value Added Tax (VAT).
During the bail hearing, Byaruhanga was granted a cash bail of sh10 million, while his three sureties were ordered to post a bond of sh80 million each. Chief Magistrate Aciro ruled that the sureties provided by Byaruhanga were substantial and had met the requirements for bail.
Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) litigation officers, Thomas Davis Lomuria and Stella Nayebare, notified the court that investigations into the case are still ongoing and requested additional time to complete their inquiries.
