BY RYTTER MUZIRA
URA’s Commissioner General, John R. Musinguzi and Koboko Members of Parliament have agreed to work together to determine how to tackle incitement in West Nile in future.
This meeting follows the unfortunate incident that happened on Wednesday where undisciplined locals attacked the Koboko Domestic Taxes office after an interception of a suspected fuel smuggler. During the scuffle between the rioters and security agencies, four locals were injured and the other died on spot.
The CG regretted the incident and extended condolences to the bereaved family and the injured victims.
“I have had extensive engagements with the leaders on the ground since this incident happened. As leaders, we should all be pushing in one direction of mobilizing revenue for national development,” C.G said.
Hon. James Baba one of the Koboko leaders present noted that they needed a lasting solution to avoid such scuffles because this wasn’t an isolated incident.
“As leaders we condemn smuggling and we want to work together with URA to minimize conflict and mobilize our people to focus on the national agenda of revenue collection to develop our country,” Hon. Baba assured.
In support, Hon. Musa Noah added they that they are engaging their youth in productive businesses instead of smuggling.
“We cannot jeopardize the efforts of URA because the Government is doing so much to develop our country from the resources you[URA] collect,” he said.
It was resolved that joint corporation was key in mobilizing the community to avoid conflict. The CG thanked the leaders for their open mindedness.
“I thank you for being firm as leaders in guiding our people on vices like smuggling that destroys the economy of our country,” C.G said of the Koboko leaders.
Present in the meeting were Abel Kagumire, the Commissioner Customs Department, Patience Rubagumya, the Commissioner Legal Services& Board Affairs. The Areas MPs in attendance were;Dr. Musa Noah (Koboko North County), James Baba (Koboko County) and Dr. Taban Aate Sharifah (Koboko District Woman MP).