By Dismas Nuwaine
Yesterday afternoon the URA Commissioner General, John R. Musinguzi, gave Christmas gifts to scores of Nakawa roadside sweepers. These sweepers work tirelessly to keep the Nakawa division clean.
He commended their dedication and hard work in ensuring that the roads and pathways within which URA is headquartered are kept spotless.
“The work you do, though unnoticed and under appreciated by many, is very consequential to us as a revenue mobilisation body, driving Uganda’s development,” said Musinguzi, before adding, “That’s why, this festive season, we’ve chosen to honor you with a gift, recognizing your essential role in building the Uganda we all aspire to.”
The Mayor Nakawa division, Mugambe Paul reiterated the Commissioner General’s remarks, expressing heartfelt gratitude for URA’s thoughtful gesture.
“The smiles speak for themselves,” said Mugambe pointing at the beneficiaries. “We deeply appreciate this token of recognition and remain committed to strengthening our collaborative efforts with URA as we all work towards fulfilling our shared goals.”
The Mayor also emphasized the long-standing partnership between URA and KCCA.
Through this historic alliance, he said, they not only work together to “implement vital initiatives”, but also “share valuable data and intelligence” that plays a crucial role in tracking, collecting, and recovering essential revenues, particularly in the area of rental tax.
Sempa Moses, the Town Clerk of Nakawa Division, expressed his sincere gratitude to URA for its unwavering commitment to being a people-centred institution, one that not only listens to the needs of the public, but also actively responds to them.
The Commissioner of Legal Services and Board Affairs, Catherine Donovan Kyokunda, thanked the URA faithful for their generosity in heeding this call and contributing numerous items, which has put a big smile on the beneficiaries.
“We had several items coming in from different departments. People gave scholastic materials, solid food, we had about 6 sacks full of clothes. Others gave physical cash. We are super grateful for the compliance of those that heeded the call.”
Akello Veronica, one of the beneficiaries, who registered a physical presence yesterday, couldn’t hide her delight.
The mother of four, who for 20 years, has been working with KCCA, said her salary had been delayed, and that this package was to relieve her. “You couldn’t have come at a better time,” she said.
“Children are home, salary has been delayed, and you have given us food. We are eternally grateful.”
Musinguzi also made an appeal to the tax-paying community to leverage the remaining days to embrace the waiver that has been provided within the law and will expire at the end of this month on December 31st.
“Pay the principal tax and automatically, the interests and penalties will collapse,” he said.
