The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has established a significant goal of 31 million trillion shillings for this financial year. As of November 2024, it has already exceeded forecasts by collecting 11.5 trillion shillings compared to an anticipated 11.4 trillion shillings.
In the effort to meet the remaining amount, URA is now concentrating on combatting corruption by reinstating integrity and professionalism within its workforce. This, according to them, is essential for achieving their ambitious revenue goal.
“We will persist, and we will utterly eliminate all revenue leakages. We have encountered several leakages, primarily due to corruption both within our organization and with our agents and partners. Some have not approached taxation matters with transparency and honesty. As we approach the new year, I urge taxpayers not to engage in the schemes that attempt to evade their tax obligations. How does this occur? Through mis-declaration or underreporting of sales income, imports, and by collaborating with corrupt agents in the clearance processes and within URA. This time, you will not succeed,” stated John Musinguzi Rujoki, the Commissioner General of URA.
Additionally, taxpayers who have outstanding arrears must settle them by the end of this month to avoid significant penalties. The Commissioner General expressed that he does not anticipate Parliament providing another reprieve for taxpayers following the tax waiver enacted after the COVID-19 pandemic.
“More importantly, I encourage those with tax arrears to pay them before the deadline of December 31st to take advantage of the waiver on interest and penalties. Anyone with outstanding tax obligations should not miss this opportunity, as Parliament has enacted this law twice, and I doubt it will be passed again. It was intended to assist businesses in recovering from COVID,” Rujoki added.
Finance Minister Matia Kasaija challenged those reluctant to pay their taxes, asking if they desire quality services such as good roads, effective hospitals, electricity, security, and more.
These statements were made at the 18th Taxpayer Association Awards ceremony where outstanding taxpayers were acknowledged in various categories.
