Fellow Country Men, I take this opportunity to welcome you to our end of financial year 2024/2025 newsletter where we share with you the progress of our nation in revenue mobilisation, and economic growth.

In fiscal 2024/25, the Uganda Revenue Authority adopted a new strategy of engaging and training our taxpayers to achieve total voluntary tax compliance that will lead Uganda to Economic Independence.

To achieve this, URA put in place mechanisms to become a better partner to, the private sector, religious leaders, the media and, ultimately, the taxpayers. Rarely in our 34-year history has our work been more urgent: We face decline in external funding, and mounting public debt that pause a threat to the independence of our nation. More so, our Tax to GDP ratio still remains stagnant at 13.5% yet for a nation develop at least 20% of the GDP has to be collected in tax. We therefore shifted our focus from not only collecting the 32 trillion Uganda shillings target but to also raise our Tax to GDP.

We are confronting these challenges not by enforcement but rather empowering the taxpayer through education, and enforcement.

Through Buuza Kamisona partnership with Vision Group and Uganda Broadcasting Services (UBC). We are responding to taxpayer queries raised via Bukedde, and New Vision, and UBC Television. This has also informed our areas of focus in Tax Education engagements held throughout the country either using the Tujenge Mobile Tax Office or regular sector-based trainings.

Additionally, over 1200 staff were recruited by the revenue body to cover the staffing gaps. These aid in closing the revenue gaps that would arise due low staff taxpayer ratio. I would like to appreciate our Supervisors in the

Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development for hiding our call, and providing funding for the same. These staff are being empowered via the Tax Academy to have a well skilled work force that will better serve Uganda.

Recognizing that integrity is a core for revenue mobilisation we established a division headed by an Assistant Commissioner to fight corruption.

As of this Publication over 180 staff found in lack of integrity had been chased from the organisation, and more shall be dealt with in case they do the same.

Other key initiatives include building and enhancing digital systems and data infrastructure. Most of our services have been mainstreamed into our revamped web portal. They include web pre-filled returns, e-payments using mobile money and the harmonised system.

But we cannot enable development on our own. We need partners from both the public and private sectors to join our efforts. That’s why we are working closely with other government agencies to create harmonised revenue collection systems.

Our deepening relationship with the private sector is evidenced by our engagements held with the Interreligious council of Uganda, traders’ associations like the Kampala Capital City Traders Association- a body that unites traders across the country. This is meant to address gaps between URA and the taxpayer.

URA is supporting taxpayers in fi ling their returns by giving them practical sessions on the usage of our systems.

The greatest challenge of our generation is transforming our nation from economically dependent to an economically independent nation. I am sure together we can achieve this.

As you read this Newsletter reflect on the word of God from Isaiah 55:11 that says: “So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

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