As part of the efforts to rebuild trust and improve compliance among taxpayers in West Nile, the Uganda Revenue Authority has met with the leader (Thebizi) of Kebu Rigangi Institution, His Highness Ephraim Waringu Kebbi.

The meeting, which happened at Thebizi’s palace in Zombo district, discussed strategies for improving compliance and combating smuggling, among other things.

Waringu commended URA’s strategy of engaging taxpayers, noting that people are more receptive when approached in a friendly manner.

“What you have begun is a very good journey. People will easily respond when you use friendly approaches and give them the right information about your mandate; this will gradually change their mindsets,” he asserted.

The King, however, decried the poor service delivery in the sub-region, which he said contributes to the non-compliance and negative sentiments towards paying taxes.

“People are also emotional because of the poor service delivery, and this affects compliance with the law. Our roads are bad and corruption is visible in institutions. All these, impact the amount of revenue collected,” he stated.

He advised URA to improve communication, integrity, and its informer network to counter economic saboteurs on the transit routes.

Ajiga Mansur, the in-charge of Enforcement in Arua, requested the establishment to support URA’s efforts in enhancing compliance, for example, in motorcycle registration.

“We pray that you can help us spread the message. People need to know that social services benefit from the payment of taxes, even though their wishes may not come timely. We have talked to people, but others are just stubborn, and we will arrest them when the grace period expires,” Ajiga explained.

In his remarks, His Highness Oleku John Smith, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Kebu Rigangi Institution, appreciated URA for prioritizing stakeholder engagement and pledged to support the tax body in fostering compliance.

“We are humbled for this courteousness; indeed, we have learned a lot and will partner in enlightening our people, said Oleku before adding, during our time, we easily paid graduated tax, so why shouldn’t my son pay his taxes.”

He also advised URA to set up an office in Alangi village, stating that it is a developing business area with many porous borders and is far from Padea, where URA has a presence.

Correspondence by Clare Sanyu