URA Honors Taxpayers at the 18th Taxpayer Appreciation Gala
- alphanews
- Dec 11, 2024
- 4 min read
*By John Kusolo*
The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) held its 18th Taxpayer Appreciation Award gala, marking the grand culmination of the Taxpayers’ Appreciation Season 2024 under the theme, “Honouring Pillars For National Growth.” The event celebrated the invaluable contributions of taxpayers as the bedrock of Uganda's development.
John Musinguzi Rujoki, the Commissioner General of URA, in his opening remarks, emphasized the pivotal role of compliant taxpayers in fostering Uganda’s economic growth, self-reliance, and national progress. His address highlighted key achievements, ongoing initiatives, and strategies for fostering a robust taxpaying culture in Uganda.
In his opening statement, the Commissioner General, John Musinguzi Rujoki lauded taxpayers as visionaries and nation-builders, noting that taxes are more than financial contributions—they are investments in Uganda's collective aspirations. “Taxes fund education, healthcare, infrastructure, defense, and disaster preparedness, driving innovation and creating jobs,” he remarked.
The Commissioner General expressed gratitude for the resilience and dedication of taxpayers, especially during challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic and global economic shocks. He underscored tax compliance as a patriotic act, affirming trust in the system and contributing to Uganda’s success.
Highlighting the achievements of the past fiscal year, the Commissioner General outlined the following key milestones:
Revenue Performance:
Despite challenges, Uganda’s domestic revenue collections in the 2023/24 fiscal year reached UGX 27.3 trillion, reflecting an average growth rate of 13.03%. As of November 2024, URA had already collected 36.52% (UGX 11.46 trillion) of its annual target of UGX 31.57 trillion, showcasing remarkable progress towards surpassing revenue targets.
Taxpayer Growth:
The URA's tax register now includes nearly five million taxpayers, a testament to efforts to widen the tax base and promote equity through continuous engagement with stakeholders.
Improved Taxpayer Services:
The URA has leveraged technology to simplify tax processes, introducing innovations such as automatic filing systems and electronic payment platforms. These developments have streamlined operations, reduced compliance time, and increased convenience for taxpayers.
Recognizing Unsung Heroes
The Commissioner General extended appreciation to the URA staff for their dedication and professionalism. From field officers to technical teams and customer care representatives, he recognized their pivotal role in fostering trust and accountability in Uganda’s tax administration.
“Your commitment to serving taxpayers, educating the public, and driving digitization efforts has been instrumental in ensuring our success,” he noted. He also commended the staff involved in organizing the Taxpayers’ Appreciation Season and gala.
Fostering a Robust Taxpaying Culture
The Commissioner General emphasized URA’s commitment to cultivating a taxpaying culture based on responsibility, collaboration, and pride. Key strategies include:
Engaged Citizenry:
Tax education initiatives such as workshops, media campaigns, and outreach programs empower citizens to navigate the tax system with confidence. Campaigns like Buzza Komisona and My Taxes Work demonstrate the tangible impact of tax contributions on national development.
Productive Partnerships:
Collaboration with private sector players, government agencies, and civil society organizations fosters compliance and supports Uganda’s economic growth.
Leveraging Technology:
Innovative e-services and data-driven insights have made tax administration more accessible and efficient, reducing barriers to compliance.
Innovative Staff:
The creativity and expertise of URA staff are central to enhancing service delivery, educating taxpayers, and streamlining processes.
Awarding Excellence
The gala featured four prestigious award categories recognizing outstanding taxpayers:
Excel Award: Celebrating the highest revenue contributors and exemplary compliance.
Vantage Award: Honoring consistent growth in compliance and contributions.
Commissioner General’s Award: Recognizing strategic support for URA’s mission.
Platinum Award: Acknowledging top revenue-contributing sectors for their dedication to Uganda’s economic growth.
The Commissioner General urged non-compliant taxpayers to take advantage of the Voluntary Disclosure program and the tax amnesty set to expire on December 31, 2024. He reminded taxpayers to file their monthly and yearly returns promptly, emphasizing the shared responsibility in building Uganda’s future.
As the Taxpayers’ Appreciation Season 2024 concluded, the Commissioner General reaffirmed the collective mission to create a self-reliant and prosperous Uganda. “Together, we can achieve greatness. Together, we can build a Uganda that we are all proud to call home,” he concluded.
The gala not only celebrated taxpayers’ contributions but also reinforced URA’s commitment to fostering a culture of compliance and patriotism, paving the way for sustained national growth and development.
Selected Winners
The Management of the Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA) has been awarded recognized by the URA Commissioner General for their role in bridging the gap between traders and the tax body.
And the Commissioner General’s Award for Partner of the Year in Revenue Mobilization Government Agency goes to the Uganda Police Force.
This evening, URA recognized and awarded Uganda Police Force for their invaluable support in revenue mobilization and national development at the URA's 18th Tax Payers'Appreciations Award Ceremony at the URA Headquarters in Nakawa.
AIGP Kafeero Moses represented IGP at the receipt of the award.
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