Local leaders in the West Nile region are calling for a thorough review of Uganda Revenue Authority’s (URA) tax enforcement operations in the wake of an unfortunate incident resulting in the death of Moses Atidra. Atidra, a resident of Pamachi village, Adraa parish in Offaka sub-county, Madi Okollo district, succumbed to injuries sustained during a URA operation to impound unregistered motorcycles at Okollo Town Council.
According to reports, URA enforcement officers resorted to opening fire when faced with resistance from residents who attempted to obstruct the impoundment of motorcycles by pelting them with stones. The tragic incident also left Patience Atizuyo, Derick Opari, and Jovan injured.
Expressing concern over what they perceive as the excessive and lethal use of force by URA enforcement teams against unarmed civilians, local leaders are urging URA to adopt a more humane and professional approach. They emphasize the importance of respecting human rights in the pursuit of domestic resource mobilization and the fight against illicit financial flows.
Denis Oguzu Lee, the Member of Parliament for Maracha County, condemns the reported actions of some URA enforcement officials, deeming them both unlawful and inhumane. He emphasizes the need for a thorough review of URA’s enforcement strategies to ensure they align with the goal of enhancing domestic resource mobilization.
Swaib Toko, the Madi Okollo Resident District Commissioner, underscores the urgency of revisiting URA’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to enhance public safety during domestic resource mobilization operations in the region.
Joanne Aniku Okia, the Woman Member of Parliament for Madi Okollo district, expresses a commitment to finding lasting solutions to prevent conflicts between URA enforcement teams and the local population. Yovan Adriko, the Member of Parliament for Vurra County in Arua district, calls for mass sensitization on the importance of tax compliance alongside a review of enforcement strategies.
Abel Kagumire, the Commissioner of Customs at Uganda Revenue Authority, responds to the concerns, stating that URA has adopted a new strategy focusing on Educating and Engaging taxpayers before resorting to Enforcement.
This incident is not the first time URA operations have led to loss of life and injuries. The leaders stress the importance of learning from past incidents to prevent further tragedies during tax enforcement activities.
