By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu,
National
Juma Kisaame, the Chairman, Uganda Revenue Authority Board of Directors has appreciated taxpayers at this year’s Taxpayer Appreciation Day.
He said that taxpayers are the unsung economic heroes of the country, contributing to the foundation upon which the shared aspirations are built. “Your willingness to contribute your hard-earned income is not merely a legal obligation but a testament to your dedication to the well-being of our nation. The funds collected through taxation serve as the essence of our public services” said Kisaame.
Kisaame added that every tax payment is a demonstration of citizenship, a tangible expression of one’s belief in the importance of a functioning society. It is through their collective contributions that enables the authority to bridge gaps, address challenges, and strive toward a future that is brighter and more equitable for everyone.
In addition to funding essential services, tax payments contribute to the stability and growth of local economy. They provide the resources necessary for job creation, innovation, and the development of a thriving business environment. He commended tax payers that their commitment to financial responsibility not only benefits the community today but also lays the groundwork for a sustainable and prosperous future.
The chairman revealed that the Hon. Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Matia Kasaija, while launching the URA digital strategy last month, tasked them to raise the tax to GDP from the current 14% to 20% in the next four years noting that once this milestone is achieved, the country should be able to fund her national budget without relying on external donors. Developed countries with a high tax-to-GDP ably fund their national budgets without borrowing, said Kisaame.
John Rujoki Musinguzi, the commissioner General URA said that parliament amended the Tax Procedures Code Act and introduced a six-month waiver of penalty and interest to taxpayers who pay their principal outstanding tax as of 30th June 2023. This provision that commenced on 1st July 2023 will end on 31st December 2023.
He therefore, called upon all taxpayers with outstanding taxes to take advantage of this and pay their outstanding principal tax, which will automatically grant them a waiver of accumulated penalties and interest and urged them to feel free to contact any URA office or service support channels to get assistance.
He said in a bid to support the taxpayers, they have unveiled a new web portal that is user-friendly and consists of new features, including new web forms, ledgers, and automated functions like the deemed VAT applications. All this has been done to make it easy for taxpayers to fulfill their tax obligations.
URA has also introduced the USSD Code *285# to support their taxpayers in assessing and paying taxes and non-tax revenue, and it can be used by those with basic and advanced phones. All these initiatives aim to promote and support tax payers in fostering tax compliance and building up tax morale for others as well.
“It is our hope that in digitalising the URA services, we can enable our taxpayers all over Uganda to get on board and pay their taxes without the invasive enforcement that is sometimes done in a bid to mobilise revenue, added Rujoki.
The Taxpayers Appreciation Season Vantage Award for the year 2023 Midwestern – Individual was awarded to Mr Govind Pindoriya.
He runs JOTIKA Hardware in the oil capital and he is also a real estate mogul. The 1st Award was warn by the Rt Rev Assoc Professor Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa, Bishop of Ankole Diocese who took home the Commissioner General’s Strategic Partner of the Year 2023 – Individual Award.
Among other award winners was Mugarura Bernard Kaharata who operates a hardware business in Rukungiri municipality who warn the southwestern vantage award and from Northern Uganda was a bison of tax compliance and his name is Richard Canopwonya Lander.He was awarded the taxpayers appreciation Vantage Award winner – Individual Northern Uganda.
