Written by Elizabeth Nakiru and Photography by Irene Kabakama, Media Management
Uganda Revenue Authority organized its 3rd annual supplier’s forum with the objective of engaging with her suppliers as a means of improving synergies to realize Uganda’s economic independence.
In order to serve its clientele better, URA has developed new initiatives including the client relationship management tool, electronic fiscal devices, desktop application tools, and digitalization of systems. These initiatives are client-centric, customer- care driven and a cultural transformation journey that URA has undertaken to serve Ugandans better while building impactful synergies.
In support of local businesses, at least 60% of URA’s suppliers are locals such as Buy Uganda Build Uganda, Sybyl Uganda, Lugram technologies Uganda, Silk events Uganda, Legacy Productions Limited and catering companies, to mention but a few.
“Suppliers are not only our service providers but also our partners, so we invited them for a dialogue to strengthen our working rapport. It is a great time for suppliers to harness partnerships anchored in professional and ethical relations as we walk the journey to economic development.,” said Ishta Kyambadde the Assistant Commissioner Administration.
The suppliers assimilated their role in revenue mobilization which included filing complete and accurate tax returns, being tax compliant, improvement of the quality of their products or services and the need to embrace the digital transformation that URA is undertaking.
“As URA embarks on her cultural transformation journey, we urge our suppliers to embrace automation because it’s through such innovations that we eliminate integrity challenges in procurement processes,’’ remarked Richard Kariisa, Commissioner Corporate Services while speaking on behalf of URA Commissioner general John Musinguzi.
We want to make sure the new initiatives improve our relationship with our clients that’s why we avail services to support you because we also want our people to grow since local content is key in Uganda’s development, added Patience T Rubagumya, Commissioner Legal Services and Board Affairs.
The suppliers also raised issues including delayed payments, credit notes not being approved on time, and equally requested for guidance on the use of EFRIS invoices, tax exemptions, revision of rates to factor in Covid 19 effects and inflation, and sought assistance on the amendment of their details such as bank and names records which often lag their operations with URA.
URA responded and committed to support the suppliers on a case by case basis to resolve their grievances and also encouraged suppliers to have proper records in order to fasten the rectification process.
URA also noted that some of the concerns raised were policy amendments that needed to be done by the ministry of Finance and shall therefore be proposed to the ministry.
