Uganda Revenue Authority Manager arrested over alleged Sh223 Million bribe
URA Assistant Commissioner for Public and Corporate Affairs, Robert Kalumba, said Ssozi allegedly demanded the money from Simbaland, a cargo consolidator, in exchange for influencing a tax audit process.
The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has arrested one of its senior officials, Geoffrey Ssozi, the Manager External Operations Customs in Dar-es-Salaam, over allegations of soliciting and receiving a $60,000 (about Sh223 million) bribe from a taxpayer.
URA Assistant Commissioner for Public and Corporate Affairs, Robert Kalumba, said Ssozi allegedly demanded the money from Simbaland, a cargo consolidator, in exchange for influencing a tax audit process.
According to URA, Ssozi was arrested last Thursday at a Kampala restaurant shortly after the alleged transaction, following a tip-off from a whistleblower. The money was reportedly recovered, while a clearing agent who allegedly facilitated the deal was also arrested to assist with investigations.
The official, who has served at URA for more than 10 years, denied soliciting a bribe but admitted receiving the money, claiming he considered it a “friendly gift” or takeaway from the restaurant. He described the allegations as a misunderstanding and a possible set-up.
URA Commissioner General reaffirmed the authority’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption and encouraged members of the public to report any cases of bribery involving its staff.
Investigations into the matter are ongoing.
