By Dismas Nuwaine
The Commissioner General of the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), John R. Musinguzi has been recognized for his exceptional support to Uganda’s manufacturing sector.
The recognition came during a dinner hosted by the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) at Hotel Africana last Friday. The event was held to celebrate UMA’s journey and to bid farewell to its outgoing Chairman, Deo Kayemba.
Kayemba, who has led the association since December 2021, presented the award to Musinguzi in appreciation of his efforts to strengthen cooperation between the taxman and manufacturers, through fostering a more collaborative and business-friendly relationship.
“When we approached URA with the intention of having periodic dialogue, they were positive,” Kayemba said. “This spirit of openness reduced the tension that had previously existed between manufacturers and the taxman.”
He acknowledged that URA’s willingness to listen and resolve tax-related issues amicably, has facilitated an atmosphere of trust and improved transparency.
Representing the Commissioner General, Abel Kagumire, URA’s Commissioner for Executive Office Operations, thanked UMA for the recognition and reaffirmed URA’s commitment to supporting Ugandan manufacturers.
“We have worked to make tax processes easier and more accessible for manufacturers,” Kagumire said. “Through tailored tax education, clear communication on rights and obligations, and access to incentives like tax holidays and VAT deferments, we have helped ease the tax burden on manufacturers.”
Kagumire also praised the manufacturing sector for its vital contribution to the country’s economy. He noted that the industry contributes about 23% of Uganda’s total tax revenue and directly employs nearly 1 million people, with over 4.5 million benefiting indirectly.
“Manufacturers are creating jobs and building the foundation for Uganda’s future. We encourage more of you to join our Advanced Economic Operator program, which recognizes compliant businesses that play a key role in national development,” he said.
On other hand, Lukia Isanga Nakadama, the Third Deputy Prime Minister urged the manufacturers to expand their footprint in Uganda and capitalize untapped sectors, including continued agricultural commercialisation and leverage on regional trade opportunities facilitated by various bilateral agreements within the East African Community.
“We have ambitious plans to grow Uganda’s economy tenfold by 2040, with a strategic focus on agriculture, tourism, mineral development, and science and technology. These are prime sectors for investment. We also encourage foreign-owned businesses to align with government programs,” Nakadama, who doubles as the Minister Without Portfolio emphasized.
Similarly, David Bahati, the Minister of State for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, said that as Uganda charts its path toward economic transformation, partnerships with the manufacturing community remain vital in driving sustainable growth and shared prosperity through the buy Uganda, Build Uganda (BUBU) initiative.
Dr. Ezra Muhumuza Rubanda, the Executive Director of the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA), praised the improved relationship between the association and URA during Mr. Kayemba’s tenure.
He credited Kayemba for adopting a forward-thinking and proactive approach to policy engagement, rather than reacting after issues had already escalated.
“Kayemba played a key role in strengthening our ties with both the Ministry of Finance and the taxman,” Dr. Rubanda said, “his strategic leadership opened the door for meaningful dialogue on key issues affecting the sector, allowing us to reach agreements without unnecessary conflict.”
In December 2021, Kayemba replaced Barbara Mulwana who had been Board Chair since May 2017. In December 2023, he was re-elected, for a second term as the UMA Board Chair in recognition of his contributions to the association’s growth.
He will be replaced by Mr. Aga Sekalala Jr, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ugachick Poultry Breeders.
Sekalala has been instrumental in localizing Uganda’s poultry value chain, driving self-sufficiency in production, and strengthening the agribusiness sector, has promised to continue fostering a proactive approach to policy engagement with key stakeholders, including the taxman.
