By Maxwell Okello
URA has intensified taxpayer education efforts in Adjumani district through the Tax Katale campaign. The campaign which started out in Pakele town Council is aimed at strengthening voluntary tax compliance and promoting a better understanding of tax obligations among small and medium enterprises.
The campaign is conducted in a way that brings tax services closer to the people, addresses taxpayer concerns, and empowers businesses to grow sustainably through compliance.
According to Isaac Gyagenda, the Ag. Supervisor for the Northern Region Tax Education Outreach, the team has implemented various strategies to reach taxpayers, including door-to-door sensitization, mobile drives, and highly interactive community engagements in Adjumani District.
“Our aim is to bring tax services closer to the people and break the communication gap between taxpayers and URA,” said Gyagenda.
He observed that while many business owners effectively plan for daily operations, they often neglect planning for their tax obligations.
“Business people must budget for taxes just like any other business expense in their daily operations,” he added.
Gyagenda also commended the business community in Pakele Town Council for their commitment to maintaining proper business records.
“We are proud to note that almost 99% of the business owners here keep daily sales records. This is a good practice that supports business growth and simplifies tax compliance,” he noted.
During one of the engagements in Pakele, small scale, Nyara James, a small-scale retailer, acknowledged the benefits of compliance, noting that being tax-compliant builds trust with customers and opens up business growth opportunities.
Nyara encouraged fellow retailers to meet their tax obligations, emphasizing that timely compliance saves businesses from penalties and improves their credibility.
Gyagenda called upon small businesses to utilise URA’s mobile services and support centres that were established during the campaign, “compliance is not a burden but an opportunity for businesses to grow within a fair system.”
The Tax Katale initiative continues to play a crucial role in building a stronger relationship between URA and the business community in Adjumani, promoting a culture of transparency, accountability, and growth among local businesses.
