Uganda Revenue  Authority strengthens tax compliance and business partnerships in Masaka, Arua, and Jinja

The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has intensified engagements with local government officials, business communities, and customs stakeholders across the country in a bid to improve tax compliance, strengthen partnerships and promote integrity in trade operations.

In Masaka City’s Nyendo Mukungwe City Division, the Public Sector Office (PSO) engaged Acting Town Clerk Sebadduka Authman and Deputy City Clerk Baingana Alex on key tax-related matters.

Marion Lubowa, Supervisor Compliance and Enforcement at PSO, guided the officials on requirements for Value Added Tax (VAT) registration and highlighted key tax amendments. She encouraged taxpayers to take advantage of the waiver on interest and penalties upon payment of qualifying principal tax to reduce outstanding liabilities and improve compliance.

Lubowa also urged public officials and taxpayers to regularly update their Tax Identification Number (TIN) details whenever there are changes in circumstances, especially when registered contact persons pass away, retire or resign, to ensure tax records remain accurate.

The PSO team further supported the district team in resolving an error within the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS), enabling successful completion of the July payment process.

Meanwhile, URA engaged members of the Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UNCCI) in Arua City, where business owners were equipped with guidance on tax compliance and record keeping.

UNCCI encouraged members to maintain proper financial records to enable them to pay the correct taxes to the government. Silas Anguzu noted that taxation is central to the relationship between government and the private sector, urging businesses to view tax compliance as a contributor to development rather than an obstacle to growth.

Claire Sanyu, a URA supervisor, informed the business community that the authority is implementing a 3E strategy, which prioritises engagement and education before enforcement.

She said URA remains committed to helping taxpayers understand their rights and obligations while creating a supportive environment for businesses to comply with tax laws.

In Jinja, URA trained 45 customs clearing agents as part of efforts to promote integrity and efficiency in customs operations.

The training covered customs processes, the responsibilities of clearing agents, anti-smuggling measures, and customs valuation procedures.

Jinja Customs Supervisor Vivienne Namusoke described clearing agents as important partners in trade facilitation, noting that compliance benefits both URA and the wider business community.

Supervisor Customs Enforcement Eastern Elvis Kairanga urged agents to avoid shortcuts and conduct business with honesty and integrity.

“You can help your clients make money without playing dirty games. Work with integrity and honesty, and we will have absolutely no issue with you,” Kairanga said.

Officer in Charge Customs Gerald Engalu guided participants on customs valuation and the dos and don’ts of clearing work, emphasising that maintaining integrity is a shared responsibility between URA and customs agents.

The engagements highlight URA’s continued efforts to build stronger partnerships, improve voluntary compliance, and promote transparency in Uganda’s tax and trade systems.