Fellow Countrymen,
As we mark the end of the financial year, I would like to thank everyone who as filed and paid their taxes on time and in the right amount—your country is proud of you. When you perform your civic duty each year, you help fund critical aspects of Uganda’s social amenities ranging from schools, roads, hospitals, and the nation’s military. Therefore, it is incumbent upon all of us to be compliant with our tax obligations for this to happen.
Those of you that are still lagging behind on this important calling, as the national fundraiser, we pledge our availability, support, and commitment to make available the information, services, and technical support that you need to get on board.
As URA, we also have a social contract with the people of Uganda, premised on our vision of mobilizing revenue for our nation’s development in a transparent
and efficient manner. This includes offering delightful service and facilitating tax payment at the lowest cost possible to the taxpayer. In the same regard, our taxpayers are expected to pay their fair share of tax. And in order to ease their tax payment, we have introduced a number of systems in place.
We have continued to use of mobile tax offices (the Tujenge Bus) to increase accessibility of our services in areas where we do not have a permanent office.
In addition to the bus, we have developed and published tax content; conducted stakeholder engagements; delivered radio and television awareness, tax clinics, all aimed at bridging the tax knowledge gap.
We have created more tax offices in major towns to take our services closer to the people we serve. Through technology, we have intensified intelligence-
guided operations leveraging Non-Intrusive Inspection technology at border points and field intelligence enforcement operations to improve business
efficiency and combat revenue leakage in international trade.
With increased automation, we have further enhanced the capacity of our staff through continuous skilling in systems effectiveness and customer care
to ensure they serve taxpayers better.
As an institution, we have rolled out a needs-based taxpayer education strategy to equip taxpayers with relevant knowledge on their responsibilities, rights,
and obligations, as well as the importance of business formalization. In many of our engagements, we have realized that most taxpayers are willing to comply
but lack basic tax knowledge. We are focused on closing revenue leakages through advanced technologies, intelligence-driven operations, and an expanded presence across the country.
Most importantly, we are committed to empowering taxpayers with the information they need to ensure voluntary compliance.
That is precisely why we are doubling down on tax education efforts all over the country. We are running a targeted and consistent sector-based education effort that addresses the context and characteristics of taxpayers across the country, especially those in the informal sector. With this, we are reducing hostility toward tax payment as citizens better understand responsible nation-building—thereby improving voluntary compliance and expanding the tax bracket.
In addition to these innovations, we remain committed to a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption and encourage everyone to report unethical practices. It is crucial that, as a nation, we stand united against corruption and foster a culture of transparency and integrity.
I encourage all of us to fulfil our responsibilities as citizens. Together, we can ensure the prosperity and economic independence of our beloved nation. Currently, we have more than 5 million taxpayers on the register, within a population of 43 million Ugandans.
The more people who participate, the lighter the burden becomes for everyone, and the faster our economy will grow. Let us partner together as we continue advocating for a manageable tax regime.
As we strive toward greater achievements, let us be reminded of this verse from the Bible: “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” — Proverbs 16:3
Thank you for your continued support to our great nation. We are very proud of your role in keeping Uganda moving and running forward. May the peace
of the birth of Christ be with you and your families, and may you have a new year of prosperity.
For God and My Country
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