A team of Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) staff recently embarked on a rigorous 21-day intelligence training program aimed at strengthening their capacity to combat tax fraud. The training, held at the Institute of Security and Intelligence Studies was designed to equip URA personnel with advanced skills in intelligence gathering, data analysis and fraud detection.

The Institute Commander, Lt. Col. Alex Abenaitwe, commended the trainees for their commitment and enthusiasm, emphasizing that the hands-on training will prepare them for real-world scenarios in revenue mobilisation.

Addressing the participants, the Assistant Commissioner for Tax Intelligence Julius Nkwasire expressed gratitude to the Institute for its support in enhancing the URA’s investigative capabilities. He urged the trainees to apply the acquired skills effectively to surpass their targets and improve efficiency in tackling tax fraud.

Agnes Nabwire Asobola, the Ag. Commissioner of the Tax Investigations Department (TID) then, stressed the importance of inter-agency collaboration in combating tax crime.

“Fighting tax crime is not a one-agency effort. It requires a collective approach from different government entities,” she stated. She also highlighted corruption as a major challenge that must be addressed, asserting that intelligence is the backbone of fraud prevention.

“This training will instil confidence and resilience in our officers, ensuring that they leave as better professionals with strong personal accountability and teamwork,” she added.

During the official opening of the training, the Assistant Commissioner of Programs in the Tax Academy, Emmanuel Bichetero encouraged the trainees to take the program seriously and maintain professionalism in their roles. He reiterated URA’s commitment to continuous staff training and development to enhance tax compliance and fraud prevention.

By Joshua Niyonshima & Laura Nagaba