By Ogwang David
In a continuous effort to impart tax knowledge in Uganda, the Uganda Revenue Authority has trained over 300 students from St. Andrews Gombe High School, Gayaza Church of Uganda, and Ndejje Secondary School.
This is through the Tax Alert Generation program which supports both lower and higher institutions of learning in educating students about taxation.
While at Ndejje Secondary School, Tax Education expert Isaac Gyagenda highlighted the need for paying taxes to the students as service delivery, economic growth, and independence. He reminded the “Gen Z’s” that for every nation to develop, there must be tax compliance.
He tackled the aspect of the Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing solution which has revolutionized the collection of value-added tax in Uganda.
“EFRIS is not a tax. It is a mode of collecting value-added tax,” Isaac responded to a curious student adding that this is one of the innovations undertaken by the authority in ensuring proper record management by businesses and compliance.
In a similar training for S.5 and S.6 students of St. Andrews Gombe High School and Gayaza Church of Uganda, Andrew Kyakonye reminded students of URA’s role.
“URA is supposed to assess, collect, and account for government revenue, administer and enforce tax laws, and advise the government on tax policies.”
Beneficiaries speak.
Ms. Ainembabazi Ronah, a teacher at St. Andrew’s Gombe, stated that the training is an eye-opener and a motivator that will enable her students to excel in their examinations.
Mr. Kiranda Jovan of Gayaza Church of Uganda SS believes that the experience will instill patriotism among the students.
“We are making our students future-ready by allowing them practical access to real-world environments like taxation. With this, the love for our motherland will increase hence a responsible citizenry,” he asserted.
Kakaru Joel a student, revealed that he picked up basic skills on how to operate a business in compliance with the laws of the land.
