By Dismas Nuwaine
Every Monday, Kaabong’s town, especially Warriors Street, comes alive for market day, attracting traders from across the community and neighboring districts within the Karimojong region. Farm produce, textiles, crafts, and household items fill the bustling market.
This week, the Tujenge bus, URA’s mobile tax office, parked at the heart of the trade, adding excitement as traders gained immediate access to vital tax services.
Denis Akorio, a 40-year-old father of four, was an early visitor. He is transitioning from subsistence to commercial farming and recently registered two community groups with URSB: The Biafra Women’s Farmers Group and the Ekaragoret Performing Artists Group.
Despite his efforts, his team couldn’t access funds from the Youth Livelihood Program without Tax Identification Numbers (TINs). Within 10 minutes, after verification, he received his TIN, saving him a costly trip to Moroto, about 180 km away.
Though TIN registration is now automated, many still lack awareness and risk exploitation by agents charging high fees.
Odola Moses Kicikiya, head of the tax education team, said Kaabong is just the beginning. They plan to visit all seven districts, including Abim, Kotido, and Moroto, offering free advice and assistance.
Sam Kanakulya, also from the tax education division, added that they will help assess tax liabilities and help traders settle payments, boosting Moroto’s revenue. Moroto DT’s Acting Head, Illaborot Francis, praised the support and hopes to recover an additional Shs. 8 million by month’s end.
Local leaders welcomed URA’s presence. The Town Clerk Achaloi Kizito Sisto stressed ongoing community engagement, noting many confuse local fees with URA taxes. Acholai emphasized collaboration to promote tax awareness and compliance.
These initiatives align with the Commissioner General’s goal to foster responsible citizenry through targeted, sector-specific tax education, increasing voluntary compliance and expanding the tax base.
