By Irene Kabakama
A team from Tax Education collaborated with officers at the Ibanda office to carry out a tax outreach program. This initiative employed a door-to-door approach, as well as tax hubs and mobile drives aimed at informing and ensuring tax compliance among the residents. This outreach program follows earlier efforts in Bigodi, Biguli, Rukunyu, Kahunge in Kamwenge District, and Kyotera.
The goal of these sensitization programs is to equip taxpayers with essential knowledge on various taxation topics, including TIN registration, assessments, taxpayer rights, and the differences between a trading license and the NDA license, as well as income tax.
The team aimed to reach over 473 taxpayers using a door-to-door approach. Approximately 80 taxpayers visited the tax hub, resulting in the registration of over 72 Tax Identification Numbers (TINs) and the issuance of assessments. They collectively paid 5,710,000 Uganda shillings, which is against the monthly target of 43,783,449 UGX for Ibanda District, with most payments coming from taxpayers in the presumptive tax regime. Additionally, they collected 12,194,623 UGX, compared to the station’s monthly target of 18,596,556 UGX for Kyotera District.
Many taxpayers expressed concerns about the fragmented nature of revenue collection, stating that different agencies, such as UNBS, local government, and URA, are frustrating them and wasting their time, despite all collecting money for the government. They requested these agencies to merge and collaborate.
Additionally, taxpayers raised issues about high tax rates and called for more sensitization efforts, emphasizing that they would benefit from education about their obligations rather than being approached only when URA seeks to collect taxes. Many individuals are unaware of their obligations or the payment processes.
Tugume Silver, the Local Council chairperson of the Rukunyu Town Council, commended URA for this initiative, stating that it provides a better way for locals to address their challenges and fosters tax compliance while helping them understand government programs as contributors to the revenue basket. He urged other government agencies to emulate URA’s approach in addressing local challenges.
Nicholas Mpairwe, an officer at Ibanda Domestic Taxes, acknowledged these concerns and assured taxpayers of URA’s commitment to addressing the issues raised by enhancing taxpayer education and awareness, as well as improving transparency in tax processes.
The team will continue conducting these tax outreach programs in other areas such as; Lukaaya, Kyazanga, Kinooni and Mbilizi in Masaka District.
