In order to keep up with the dynamics of taxation by way of amendments in the recently read budget and their implications on Ugandans, Uganda Revenue Authority in conjunction with officials from the Ministry of Finance and SEATINI Uganda organised a half day breakfast engagement at Tropical Suites in Arua.
The engagement according to Denis K. Kateeba, the representative of the Commissioner General, was to discuss the opportunities available for Ugandans even in West Nile in next financial year ’s Budget.
He revealed that Ugandans will be required to fund 56% of the budget to attain part sovereignty.
“The 56% funding is not enough, we need to control our destiny by funding 100% of our budget. For this to happen, we need to be complaint with our tax obligations,” he explained.
URA also has a new target of UGX 29.7 trillion which will require the collaboration of all Ugandans to mobilise this revenue. As a national fundraiser, Kateeba said URA will continue to support and make available the information, services and technical support that taxpayers need to be compliant.
With only a few days to close the financial year, Kateeba also urged the people of Arua city to file and pay before 30th June 2023 to avoid the penalties.
On the other hand, Moses Obetia, the Chairman Business Community in the West Nile Region praised URA and the Ministry of Finance for continuously organising the engagement in his region.
For Obetia, such dialogues provide opportunity for taxpayers to share feedback on the budget that directly impacts their businesses. He also urged for more tax education for taxpayers in his region especially on issues to do with cross-border trade.
In response Moses Kabanda, the representative of the Minister of Finance noted that the Government will need sustainable funding through mobilisation of domestic resources to ensure Ugandans enjoy the much needed social services. These services include; eeffective implementation of the Parish Development Model (PDM), use of small-scale solar powered irrigation, building infrastructure in industrial parks and access of affordable capital through Uganda Development Bank (UDB), Uganda Development Cooperation (UDC), Agricultural Credit Facility (ACF), Small Business Recovery Fund (SBRF), Emyooga among others.
Hon. Jackson Atima, the Area MP Arua Central encouraged his people to pay taxes and not to leave it to only 3 million Ugandans.
“More 15 million Ugandans are engaged in business, where are they putting the money,” he asked.
He also encouraged them to shun buying from non-registered VAT taxpayers because they cheat government of revenue.
The tough-talking Atima also urged URA to support businesses so that they do not close prematurely. He quoted Gaaga bus services and Ozu brothers who were big distributors of Mukwano products in West Nile region.
From the audience feedback, it was obvious that URA still needs to provide more opportunity to the people in West Nile to explore on issues affecting their businesses. For example, they feign ignorance in filing and interaction of the EFRIS system.
Meanwhile, similar engagements are ongoing throughout the country in Lira, Kasese, Kabale and Soroti to ensure all Ugandans are equipped with the recent changes in the budget.
Compiled by Immaculate Wanyenze and photography by all regional correspondents
