KAMPALA
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, has called on tax authorities to align transparency in tax collection with improved service delivery. The appeal was made during a high-level engagement between top officials of the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and members of the Interreligious Council of Uganda (IRCU).
“The reservation is mainly about working together, continuing to partner, and ensuring the sensitization of our people in order to collect tax,” Archbishop Kaziimba emphasized.
URA Commissioner General, Mr. John Musinguzi Rujooki, echoed similar sentiments, noting the influence religious leaders have in society. He highlighted the authority’s strategy to partner with them for broader public awareness on tax responsibilities.
“Religious leaders are the most respected members of society,” Rujooki said. “We’ve been trying to engage members of our society on their responsibility towards tax, but we realize that we shall go a lot faster on this front when we partner with the leaders of different religious institutions.”
During the meeting, the IRCU unveiled plans for a nationwide regional consultative mobilization ahead of the 2026 general elections. This initiative aims to promote peace and prevent electoral violence, such as that experienced in the recently concluded Kawempe North by-election.
“We’ll be explaining to citizens key issues; taxation, peaceful elections, and wealth creation,” Archbishop Kaziimba said. “We are also calling on all religious leaders to commit to avoiding and discouraging any acts of violence.”
Rujooki commended IRCU for recognizing URA as a key stakeholder in their mission.
“We are honoured that they considered the Uganda Revenue Authority as an important stakeholder to engage,” he said, adding that the collaboration will help maintain a cordial working relationship to improve tax compliance.
“There has been a very positive response so far. People had questions, and we managed to address most of them. This is a good beginning.”
Rujooki concluded by quoting the late Archbishop Livingstone Mpalanyi Nkoyoyo, saying, “The road to development is always under construction. It is work in progress. We have agreed to partner on both fronts. As IRCU moves across the country to sensitize citizens on peaceful elections, URA will be alongside to discuss tax matters.”
