Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) Commissioner General, John R. Musinguzi, emphasized the need for African countries to collaborate in overcoming historical challenges stemming from slavery and colonialism. He highlighted the low tax-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratios across the continent, noting that while developed countries typically have GDP ratios above 30%, African countries average around 16%. Uganda’s ratio stands at 14%, with Rwanda leading East Africa at 16%.
Musinguzi made these remarks during a meeting at Serena Hotel in Kampala with delegations from the Rwanda Revenue Authority and National Revenue Authority of Sierra Leone. He stressed the interconnectedness of African destinies, stating that the prosperity of one country contributes to the prosperity of others.
The discussions followed a week-long benchmarking exercise on Uganda’s Digital Tracking Solution (DTS) by a delegation from Sierra Leone, led by Deputy Minister of Finance, Kadiatu Alie. The Sierra Leonean delegation expressed appreciation for URA’s guidance and expressed eagerness to implement similar strategies in their country.
Jeneba Bangura, Commissioner General of Sierra Leone NRA, mentioned the commencement of DTS implementation in Sierra Leone and expressed optimism about its potential to increase excise revenue.
Mbera Rukamirwa Emmy, Assistant Commissioner of the Tax Control and Operational Support Division, Rwanda Revenue Authority, shared Rwanda’s successful experience with the Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing System (EFRIS) over the past 11 years.
The Digital Tracking Solution (DTS) is a platform for real-time tracking and tracing of production and importation data, used by both Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS). It involves stamping products with digital stamps for tax purposes (URA) and conformity stamps for safety standards certification (UNBS).
