Dear Comrades

It is an immense honor to stand before you tonight at this grand occasion, a gathering of visionaries, patriots, and nation-builders. This evening is not merely a celebration but a profound acknowledgment of the contributions each of you has made to propel Uganda’s development. Through your resilience, dedication, and patriotism, you have kept the wheels of our nation’s progress turning.

The theme of this year’s Taxpayers’ Appreciation Season, “Honouring Pillars For National Growth,” captures the strength and determination that each of you has shown in supporting the growth of our nation. This theme celebrates not only the contributions you have made but also the unyielding spirit you continue to show in ensuring that Uganda’s future remains bright and promising.

Tonight, we crown the Taxpayers’ Appreciation Season 2024, a season that celebrates your pivotal role in Uganda’s growth story. Your presence here tonight is a testament to your commitment to Uganda’s future and an inspiration to all who dream of a greater tomorrow for our country.

The Vital Role of Taxpayer Compliance

Distinguished guests, taxes are not merely financial contributions; they are investments in our collective aspirations. They fund the education of our children, ensure quality healthcare for our communities, and build the infrastructure that connects people, businesses, and opportunities. Taxes strengthen our defence forces, enhance disaster preparedness, and drive innovation and job creation. They enable a broad spectrum of essential services that underpin national progress and transform lives.

Compliance with tax obligations is, therefore, a patriotic act. It affirms trust in the system and acknowledges that we each have a stake in Uganda’s success. It is through your steadfast compliance that Uganda has risen from the economic shocks of the past decade, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, to reclaim its position as a resilient and ambitious nation. I thank you all for fulfilling your obligations, even in challenging times.

As URA, we deeply appreciate the sacrifices many of you make to meet your tax obligations. Our role is to collect these funds diligently and transfer them to the Consolidated Fund, ensuring every shilling is mobilized efficiently and transparently. This collective effort is vital for driving Uganda towards economic independence and self-reliance, enabling national progress and reducing reliance on external support.

(Appreciating the Staff of URA)

Before I proceed, allow me to acknowledge the unsung heroes within the Uganda Revenue Authority – the dedicated staff who work tirelessly behind the scenes to serve our nation. Your commitment and professionalism play a crucial role in supporting all taxpayers, from those who consistently meet their obligations to those striving to align with compliance. Tonight, as we celebrate the contributions of our compliant taxpayers, we also recognize your vital efforts in fostering a culture of responsibility and inclusion that drives our nation’s progress.

From the field officers who engage directly with taxpayers, to the technical teams driving our digitization agenda, to the customer care teams offering guidance with patience and precision, your contributions are invaluable. You embody the values of integrity, patriotism, and professionalism that are central to our mission and critical to fostering trust and accountability in our tax administration.

To the staff who have gone above and beyond during this Taxpayers’ Appreciation Season, supporting taxpayer engagements and ensuring this gala is a success, I extend my deepest gratitude. Let us give them a round of applause for their outstanding work.

Revenue Collection Milestones: A Journey of Progress

Tonight, I am proud to share some of the milestones we have achieved together over the past year. The Financial Year 2023/24 presented us with formidable challenges, yet it also showcased the remarkable strength of our partnership with taxpayers and the relentless efforts of the URA team.

1. Revenue Performance

In the last Financial Year, Uganda’s domestic revenue collections were UGX 27.3 trillion. While this fell short of the UGX 29.22 trillion target, our revenue has continuously grown to an average of 13.03%. In addition, our economy is rebounding, with GDP growth projected to reach 6.0% in this FY 2024/25. This recovery underscores the importance of sustained collaboration between taxpayers and government.

As of November 2024, we have collected 36.52% (UGX 11.46 trillion) of the annual URA target of UGX 31.57 trillion. This exceptional performance not only brings us closer to surpassing our revenue targets but also reinforces our shared commitment to driving Uganda’s economic growth and self-reliance.

2. Taxpayer Growth

Our tax register now includes close to five million taxpayers, reflecting deliberate efforts to widen the tax base and ensure equity. This is because of continuous engagement with various segments of taxpayers and various key stakeholders to ensure that everyone contributes their fair share to Uganda’s development.

3. Improved Taxpayer Services

Leveraging technology, we have simplified tax processes to make compliance easier and more accessible. Innovations like the automatic filing system and electronic payment platforms are streamlining operations, reducing time spent on compliance, and increasing convenience for taxpayers.

These milestones have been achieved thanks to the visionary leadership of our government leaders, the steadfast support of our supervisors at the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, the strategic guidance of our Board of Directors, the leadership of my management team, the commitment of our taxpayers, and the dedication of our staff.

Fostering a Robust Taxpaying Culture

A nation’s prosperity is built on the shared belief that everyone has a role to play in its success. At URA, our strategic goal is to promote a taxpaying culture that transcends mere compliance, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in our collective achievements. This journey is not one we take alone, it is one we undertake together with you, our valued partners, to build a stronger, self-reliant Uganda.

How are we fostering this culture? Allow me to elaborate:

1. Engaged Citizenry

Engaging citizens is central to promoting a taxpaying culture. Our tax education initiatives, including workshops, media engagements, and targeted outreach campaigns, equip taxpayers with the knowledge they need to navigate the system confidently. Campaigns like Buzza Komisona bring our services closer to the people, fostering open dialogue and addressing taxpayer concerns. Additionally, the My Taxes Work campaign showcases how tax contributions transform lives by funding critical projects. These efforts inspire a sense of ownership and pride among Ugandans in their role as contributors to national development. 

2. Productive Partnerships

Collaboration is at the heart of our success. By partnering with private sector players, government agencies, and civil society organizations, we are fostering an ecosystem that promotes compliance, empowers businesses, and supports national growth. These partnerships ensure a united effort in building a strong and sustainable taxpaying culture

3. Leveraging Technology and Data

Technology is a cornerstone of our modernization agenda. Through innovations like user-friendly e-services, mobile payment platforms, and data-driven insights, we are simplifying tax administration, making compliance more accessible to all. This approach aims to eliminate barriers and ensures that taxpayers can fulfill their obligations with ease and efficiency. 

4. Innovative and Professional Staff

Our staff are the driving force behind our achievements. Their creativity, expertise, and professionalism power our efforts to improve service delivery, educate taxpayers, and streamline processes. By continuously innovating and adapting to the needs of Ugandans, they ensure that our tax system remains responsive and effective. 

Through these combined efforts, we are nurturing a taxpaying culture rooted in responsibility, collaboration, and pride, paving the way for a self-reliant and prosperous Uganda. 

Recognizing Excellence: Celebrating Taxpayer Champions

Tonight’s gala is the crowning moment of the Taxpayers’ Appreciation Season. Throughout this season, we have traveled to every region of Uganda to celebrate your invaluable contributions; from the bustling streets of Central Uganda to the oil-rich heart of Mid-Western Uganda, and the resilient communities of West Nile. We have witnessed remarkable growth and opportunity in Northern Uganda, the vibrant markets of Eastern Uganda, and the thriving businesses across Western Uganda. Each region has showcased the strength, resilience, and immense potential of our nation.

Tonight, we gather to honor the best among us, those whose dedication to compliance and contribution stands as a beacon for others. Allow me to highlight the categories of awards that will be presented:

1. The Excel Award

These taxpayers are the grand winners, not only making the highest contributions to Uganda’s revenue but also exemplifying the highest levels of compliance. Their outstanding adherence to tax obligations and significant impact on the national economy set them apart as true champions of fiscal responsibility. They represent the pinnacle of taxpayer excellence and serve as an inspiration for all of us to follow.

2. The Vintage Award
   Recognized for their consistent growth in both compliance and contributions, these individuals and entities have played a key role in the steady advancement of Uganda’s tax revenue. Their ongoing dedication exemplifies long-term progress and responsibility.
3. The Commissioner General’s Award

These awardees have been selected for their strategic support and significant contributions to URA’s mission. They exemplify excellence in collaboration, playing a pivotal role in advancing our objectives and ensuring the continued success of our work.

4. The Platinum Award

The Platinum Award recognizes the top revenue-contributing sectors. These sectors, through their exceptional performance and dedication, have made significant contributions to Uganda’s economic growth. Their leadership and commitment to compliance are instrumental in driving the nation’s progress, and they set the standard for all sectors to aspire to.

To the awardees

I say: Thank you for being true patriots. Your contributions extend far beyond financial figures; they are investments in the dreams and aspirations of millions of Ugandans.

To all our esteemed taxpayers

You are the backbone of our progress. Your compliance and belief in Uganda’s potential inspire our pursuit of excellence.

As I conclude, I want to remind us of all that the journey to a prosperous Uganda is a shared one. Each of us; taxpayers, policymakers, administrators, has a role to play in shaping the future we envision.

Together, we can achieve greatness. Together, we can build a Uganda that we are all proud to call home.

Thank you for listening to me, and may God bless you all.

For God and My Country

John Rujoki Musinguzi

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