Dear Comrades

Thank you for joining us this evening. It is truly a pleasure to see you all gathered here to celebrate our most compliant taxpayers. I must emphasize that it is no small feat to run a business and diligently meet your tax obligations, as you have. The fact that you are here tonight is a testament to your consistent tax compliance, with no need for URA staff to follow up or cajole you into fulfilling your responsibilities. For that, we deeply appreciate your contributions to the national coffers and to the development of our country.

As the board, our mandate is to support the Commissioner General and his staff in their efforts to work efficiently and achieve their targets. I would like to commend the management and staff of URA for their continued support to you, the taxpayers, in fulfilling your obligations. I also commend them for building strong relationships with the taxpayer community, based on trust and mutual respect.

Today marks the Taxpayers Appreciation Day, a key highlight in the two-month Taxpayers Appreciation Season that URA runs each year. This year’s theme is ‘Honouring pillars for national growth’. The purpose of this season is to meet with you, recognize your vital role in building our economy, thank you for your efforts, and remind you that paying taxes can be a simple and accessible process.

No taxpayer should face unnecessary hurdles when filing returns or paying taxes. This is something we, as a board, continuously encourage the management to focus on, ensuring that the process remains as seamless as possible for all taxpayers. URA has introduced several improvements to simplify tax compliance, including the web-based Local Excise Duty Return forms, the VAT web forms, the USSD code, and the new taxpayer service office in Kikubo. These innovations are designed with the diverse needs of taxpayers in mind. They are user-friendly and aimed at making your tax-related transactions easier and more efficient.

As Ugandans, we all desire high-quality public services, but as in any transaction, there is a price to pay. Just as you expect excellent services, you should also be willing to contribute through paying taxes. Your contributions help the government provide the services and social amenities that we all rely on.

I urge you all to make tax compliance a culture, rather than a constant back-and-forth with URA. The URA staff are always ready to support you, offering guidance and assistance when needed. All you need to do is reach out, and your tax-related concerns will be addressed promptly.

Should you ever have any concerns or issues with a URA staff member, please know that you are welcome to report them. URA has an Integrity, Compliance, and Ethics Department dedicated to handling such matters. Do not let the actions of a few individuals derail our collective progress. Remain vigilant and committed to our shared goal of national development.

In conclusion, I would like to congratulate each and every one of you once again. By being tax compliant, you are all winners in my eyes. I thank you for your commitment and for playing a crucial role in building our nation. Please enjoy the evening as we celebrate you!

For God and My Country

JUMA KISAAME