By Akinyi Winiefred
As has been the norm, the Uganda Revenue Authority has awarded compliant taxpayers in various categories during its Taxpayers Appreciation Day.
Coca-Cola was recognized as the most compliant taxpayer, taking home the coveted Excel award, which is awarded to the most compliant taxpayers who contribute significant amounts of revenue.
The beverage company received recognition for paying over Ugx 319 billion in taxes over the previous few years and maintaining 100% filing ratios in all tax heads for which they are registered.
It was closely followed by Chop Gaming Limited (Betpawa), the first runner-up in the same category and Bank of Baroda which came in second.
During the ceremony, taxpayers from various regions were also honored in the Vantage Award category. The category recognized small and medium-sized taxpayers as well as rental taxpayers who have consistently improved their tax payments and responded to URA initiatives over the years.
Erianah Glass Matt and Hardware was named the most compliant non-individual taxpayer from the mid-western region and Khemis Yunus, an Arua landlord won the vantage individual award from the West Nile region. Among others winners were; Uzima Chicken LTD from Kampala metro, Church of Uganda Kisiizi Hospital from the south-west and Kach-AP Global Forwarders Ltd from the East were recognized.
The central region dominated the day, with eight out of the 22 awardees hailing from the region.
Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda, while congratulating winners emphasized the importance of taxpayer compliance, pointing out that it is through taxes that the government is able to provide services to Ugandans.
“I thank every taxpayer who has paid their due share of taxes. Thank you very much, the government relies on you to finance its service delivery,” she said.
She called on all Ugandans to comply with paying taxes, noting that this is the only way the country will end donor dependence and increase self-sustenance.
Hon. Matia Kasaija, the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development commended URA’s efforts in growing revenue collections and pledged to support taxpayers in fostering and reinforcing voluntary compliance.
In his remarks, URA’s Commissioner General John Musinguzi emphasized tax compliance highlighting Uganda’s tax to GDP ratio which is now lagging at 14%.
“There is no nation that can develop while collecting 14% of the GDP, we need to grow this GDP to about 500 billion. We hope to grow to about 20% in the next 2–3 years, there, we will have helped the government start doing great work without struggling,” said Musinguzi.
Incepted in 2005, the taxpayer appreciation day recognizes taxpayers across the country who have demonstrated increased compliance with their tax obligations.
This year’s ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including the State Minister of Finance for Investment, Hon. Evelyn Anite, the Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Treasury, Ramathan Ggobi, Members of Parliament, Religious leaders, Civil society among others.
