URA Calls for Integrity and Collaboration in Revenue Mobilization

LIRA CITY — The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has called on taxpayers, business leaders, and the public to strengthen their partnership with the tax body in promoting integrity, transparency, and voluntary compliance as the cornerstone of national revenue mobilization.

Speaking during the Regional Integrity Forum held in Lira City, James Abola, the Assistant Commissioner, Integrity, Compliance and Ethics emphasized that combating corruption and fostering ethical tax practices remain central to achieving the Authority’s ambitious revenue target of UGX 40 trillion for the current Financial Year.

“To achieve this mandate of mobilizing revenue, we need strong collaborations which are structured, transparent, and driven by integrity,” the official said, adding that URA’s zero-tolerance policy on corruption will continue to be enforced firmly.

Last financial year, URA surpassed its collection target of UGX 31.3 trillion, bringing in UGX 31.6 trillion in domestic and international taxes.

The current financial year’s target—UGX 40 trillion—represents a significant leap, with UGX 26 trillion expected from domestic sources and UGX 14 trillion from customs.

“This excellent performance is credited to you, the taxpayer community,” the official said. “Our tax system is built on voluntary compliance—you register, declare, and pay voluntarily.”

Addressing corruption within the Authority, the URA official revealed that 65 staff members were dismissed last year for offenses linked to bribery, fraud, and conflict of interest, with several now facing prosecution in the Anti-Corruption Court.

The Authority has also taken action against taxpayers and agents involved in fraudulent practices such as invoice trading, where fictitious transactions are created to evade VAT payments.

“We would like to make the cost of corruption very high,” Abola stressed. “Do not offer or pay bribes. Use that money to settle your lawful tax obligations.”

URA has implemented several reforms to enhance accountability, including; Introduction of the Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing System (IFRIS) to combat invoice fraud, digitalization of services to reduce face-to-face interactions and minimize corruption risks, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms for fair and collaborative settlement of tax disputes, and a new dedicated whistleblower hotline for reporting tax evasion or misconduct by URA officers.

Reports submitted through the hotline are reviewed daily by the Integrity Division, ensuring swift follow-up and feedback to informants.

Abola reaffirmed that tax compliance is not merely a legal obligation but a patriotic duty. He cautioned that Uganda cannot rely on donor funding indefinitely and must mobilize domestic resources for sustainable development.

“If you borrow flour from your neighbor, your saucepan will never get the “odeo” he said, quoting a local proverb to illustrate the need for national self-reliance.

The Lira forum, which follows last year’s inaugural event in Gulu, will be followed by a recognition ceremony for taxpayers from the Greater Lango and Acholi sub-regions who have demonstrated exceptional integrity in managing their tax affairs.

In closing, the URA called on all citizens to act as partners in promoting integrity and transparency in tax administration.

“Together, we can build an accountable revenue system that benefits our nation.”

Meanwhile Dickens Ogwal, the ED Lango Civil Society Network argued that only succeeds best in an environment where citizens believe in fairness and transparency in tax system. “If all these people in the room believe that there’s transparency and fairness in the tax system, revenue mobilization won’t be a problem.” He said.

Adding “all this is just a question of trust. Once all of us have a trust in the system, trust that the process of assessment is free and fair, if we have a trust that our tax collected are put to good use, ladies and gentlemen, people will be willing to pay taxes.”