By Joshua Niyonshima and Irene Kabakama
John Musinguzi, the Commissioner General of the Uganda Revenue Authority, has said that rather than celebrating reaching revenue goals, the authority will begin to celebrate progress in economic growth.
Musinguzi made these remarks while speaking at the authority’s annual thanksgiving that was held over the weekend at the URA headquarters in Nakawa. He highlighted Uganda’s tax-to-GDP ratio, which grew to 14% in the last financial year, and said the authority will focus on collecting more in the next years.
‘For a country to develop, their tax-to-GDP ratio has to be above 18%. Some countries have achieved it, which is why they are developed. Last year, the Lord did it for us, and we reached 14%. In the next two to three years, we will be collecting that target,” he said.
Musinguzi called on Ugandans to honor their tax obligations and make use of the available tax waivers.
“As URA, we have introduced mechanisms to ensure that compliance is easy. A waiver has been introduced to enable those with tax debts to pay their principal tax while their fines and penalties are removed. Let us tap into this as we start the journey of compliance,” he said.
In his sermon, Rt. Rev. Canon George K. Turyasingura, the Bishop of East Ruwenzori Diocese, cautioned URA staff against acts of corruption that derail Uganda’s progress.
“You don’t need to steal, change figures, or negotiate with the taxpayers. Be faithful, and you will get what the Lord has prepared for you,” he cautioned.
He urged them to develop unity, loyalty, and trust if they were to lead Uganda out of economic dependence. He highlighted good revenue performance as a key indicator of development.
“You are the backbone of the economy and the nation; if you perform below expectations, this country and its people will struggle,” said Rev. Turyasingura.
Pastor Robert Kayanja of Rubaga Miracle Centre asked URA to upgrade from collecting taxes to teaching Ugandans how to invest.
“URA has a greater calling: to not only collect taxes but also teach Ugandans how to invest their resources and protect them. If you keep achieving in revenue collection, the potholes will be filled, the child who would have died without immunization will not die, and you will sustain the country,” he said.
Representing the URA board chairperson, Awidi Hellen commended URA staff for fulfilling their noble job while upholding the institution’s values.
During the celebrations, over 15 million shillings was raised as contribution towards the construction of East Rwenzori Cathedral.
The thanksgiving, which was celebrated under the theme, “Arise and shine; for your light has come and the glory of the Lord is risen upon you,” also marks the beginning of the URA taxpayer appreciation season that will run up to November.
