URA has launched a two-week tax education drive in Eastern Uganda to equip traders with tax knowledge leading to voluntary compliance.

The exercise commenced on Monday in Namayingo district and will extend to several Districts across the region, including Tororo, Busia, Mbale and Kapchorwa.

Andrew Kyakonye, the Eastern regional tax education officer noted that the Drives have been designed to simplify tax processes while boosting revenue collection.

“We are sensitizing taxpayers and helping them generate and reactivate Payment Reference Numbers so that they can make payments,” he added.

 Godfrey Ouma, the Chairperson of the Business Community, appreciated URA for bringing revenue services closer to the taxpayers.

“When we started Namayingo Town Council, the first URA staff who came to our area were too rude, so we tried to fight them,” Ouma observed. However, the current staff are accommodating, compassionate and listening to us. We don’t fight each other,” he emphasized.

He revealed that smuggling has also reduced following recent sensitizations in the District.

Ouma, however, called on URA to extend its efforts to mainstream channels to reach a wider audience.

“Please use local radios to sensitize people. This way, you will easily mobilise revenue since most people listen to local radios,” he advised.

Meanwhile, this engagement forms part of URA’s efforts to enhance voluntary compliance as the financial year draws to a close.

By Kamugisha Kabahweza Allan