Mid this month, the staff compliance division embarked on a sensitization drive to educate stakeholders in mid-western Uganda on integrity and its impact on revenue mobilization.

The campaign, spearheaded by James Abola, the Assistant Commissioner of Staff Compliance, is targeting both internal and external stakeholders and has so far covered the districts of Masindi and Fort Portal.

Speaking to staff in the region, Abola asked them to facilitate taxpayers ethically, reminding them that they will deal with the same individuals.

He also urged them to be transparent with taxpayers especially on their rights and obligations, and to ensure timeliness in decision-making.

“Don’t delay decisions because delays in decision making frustrate clients, hence delays in revenue collection,” Abola cautioned.

The compliance head also assuaged fears about the mandate of the division, saying staff compliance is focused on closing integrity gaps so that we can focus on the mission because it’s bigger than URA. It should guide us on how best we can work together despite the differences because that’s what unites us.”

In the same spirit, Abola encouraged staff to report taxpayers who lure them into committing fraud.

Paddy Ochieng, the Manager of Domestic taxes in the midwestern region, appreciated staff compliance for their efforts in bridging the gap between staff and the division.

“This engagement has reminded us to equip ourselves with skills on how we can ethically meet the target,” he remarked.

By Irene Kabakama