Last Friday, URA partnered with Virtuous Woman, a women’s ministry of Christ’s Heart Ministries International, to organize the 2024 edition of the Business and Leadership Symposium. The symposium aims to, amongst many things, empower women with the skills to live as independent, dignified individuals.

Hosted at the Serena Hotel in Kampala, this year’s theme, “Embracing Change in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” attracted many businesswomen to learn how to integrate technology into their operations.

In her address to the gathering, Diana Kisaka, the Assistant Commissioner of Finance at URA, implored the ladies to continue embracing technology as a matter of urgency given its many benefits in improving efficiency.

“We cannot be mere spectators, but active players, in this era of cutting-edge technological advancements,” said Kisaka before she continued, “The world is changing, and we must keep up with the trends as a revenue mobilization body. We are trailing, but we know we have to catch up.”

On that note, Kisaka made it known to the revellers that EFRIS “is not a tax” but “an aspect of technology.” “This,” she said, “anchors profoundly to the year’s theme, which speaks of technological change as a driver of efficient revenue mobilization and transparency in assessment.”

Kisaka also urged businesswomen to take a more deliberate and proactive step to improve their competency in taxes for smoother and more predictable business operations.

“If you do not take care of your tax affairs, your business might collapse,” said Kisaka, before emphasizing, “We are ready to walk with you to ensure that you understand what you need to take care of in terms of expectations, procedures, and systems that we have in place.”

“We invite you to reach out to us, let us support one another, and share the right information. We are ready to go the distance, but we cannot go that distance without you. We are here to support you, Ffe Bbano,” She added.

The keynote speaker, Dr. Shogo Oyeniyi, a Nigerian Forbes coach, said that AI as a technology is a gift that must be meticulously employed to help man achieve more in less time.

He noted the areas where AI can have a great impact, including but not limited to finance and cyber security, where it eases transactions, threat detection and neutralization, fraud control, and chatbots, amongst others. 

On URA’s part, the Assistant Commissioner of Public and Corporate Affairs, Ibrahim Bbossa, notes that the revenue has already integrated AI into its instantaneous client response structure for specific operational questions. He says that URA also has plans to introduce an AI-supported smart gate at the borders fitted with radiation monitors and face recognition for efficient customs management processes.

By Dismas Nuwaine