Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has emphasized the crucial role that Institutions of higher learning must play in advancing research and innovation to harness artificial intelligence (AI) and optimize Uganda’s taxation landscape.

Stephen Ojambo, the Manager of Knowledge Management at the URA Tax Academy called for in-depth studies to explore how AI-driven solutions could enhance efficiency and transform tax administration in the country.

Ojambo made these comments while hosting a delegation of students from the MUBS faculty of Marketing and International business, to discuss URA’s International business operations, tools and technological advancements during the annual International Business symposium week.

Robert Kalumba, the Ag. Commissioner for Public and Corporate Affairs, commended MUBS for their dedication to academic excellence and their decision to collaborate with URA as their premier partner in business benchmarks.

He highlighted the strong strategic partnership between MUBS and URA, strengthened by multiple Memorandums of Understanding covering various sectoral areas.

Speaking to the students, Kalumba urged current and prospecting business owners to run compliant business enterprises. He emphasized that tax compliance is not just a legal requirement but a civic duty.

“In the long run, it’s much cheaper than dealing with the consequences of non-tax compliance,” he said.

Ojambo highlighted the growing importance of artificial intelligence, saying that strong AI skills will be essential for success in the second half of the 21st century. “To stay ahead, you must embrace technology and understand how AI can be applied in business,” he advised.

Kalumba re-echoed Ojambo’s sentiments, calling upon universities and colleges to invest in research around AI to help improve how URA’s systems work, especially for faster and more efficient goods clearance.

“These are the kinds of ideas students should focus on, such that they can gain the skills needed to shape and inform our business operations systems,” he added.

The delegation leader, a senior lecturer, thank URA’s management, for the continued institutional synergy with the Nakawa based premier business institution. He commended the leading role of URA to boost domestic revenue collections for national development.

The visit was part of the MUBS Marketing and International Business Week, where students engage with industry players to gain real-world insights beyond the classroom. This initiative helps the students understand international business systems and explore how technology can be integrated to improve business operations.

By Dismas Nuwaine