Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has released a list of top 20 tax paying religious institutions in Financial Year 2016/17, Business Focus reports.
“The URA team appreciates you among the top religious institutions this financial year for mastering the biblical teaching of: ‘Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s’,” a statement signed off by URA boss Doris Akol issued over the weekend reads in part.
However, the list that is topped by Watoto Childcare Ministries doesn’t indicate the amount of money paid in taxes.
It has also generated debate as top churches like Kakande Ministries of Prophet Samuel Kakande and Rubaga Miracle Centre of Pastor Robert Kayanja misses out on the list.
The Registered Trustees of Kampala Archdiocese comes 2nd among the top tax paying religious institutions. It is followed by Catholic Relief Services, The Registered Trustees of Uganda Episcopal Conference and Watoto Church Ltd.
The Ramgarhia Sikh Society Kampala Ltd, The Registered Trustees of Deliverance Church Uganda, African Renewal Ministries, Seventh Day Adventist Church, The Khoja Shia Jthna Shari Jamat Ltd, The Registered Trustees of the Church of Uganda and The Registered Trustees of the Gulu Diocese Uganda in that order are other top tax paying religious institutions.
Others in ascending order include International Bibile Students Association, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Finn Church Aid Uganda, Kampala Diocese- Church of Uganda, All Saints Cathedral Kampala, Word of Fellowship Uganda, Caritas Kotido and The Registered Trustees of Uganda Joint Christian Council. URA is releasing top tax payers to encourage more Ugandans to pay their taxes considering the fact that in 2017/18, the tax body is expected to collect Shs15trn in taxes.
