John Musinguzi, the URA Commissioner General
Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) is collaborating with other government agencies to sensitize residents of West Nile on the impact of smuggling on the economy.
The URA Commissioner General, John Musinguzi notes that one of the major causes of the clashes between URA and taxpayers is limited understanding of taxation laws. He made the revelation while speaking at a tax baraza in Madi-Okollo Town Council Hall on 13th February, 2024.
“Some of you unknowingly violate tax laws, like driving numberless motorcycles and selling smuggled fuel and cooking oil, not knowing you are hurting the economy,” said Musinguzi.
He tipped the community that involving themselves in smuggling not only denies URA the opportunity to collect revenue, but also kills market for compliant taxpayers. He called on the residents to stop the vice and cooperate with URA in revenue mobilization.
The Commissioner General was accompanied by the State Minister for Finance-General Duties, Henry Musasizi, who called for a harmonious relationship between URA and the community.
“We need your cooperation with URA staff so that we can do away with shootings and killings. We are happy that you are willing to move and abandon smuggling because it has several disadvantages, like the loss of lives,” the minister implored.
Musasizi also warned government officials who use government vehicles to convey uncustomed goods, adding that government will deal with them.
The two officials are on a visit to the West Nile region to engage the leaders and community to find a lasting solution to the smuggling vice that is prevalent in the region.
During the visit, the URA boss conveyed condolences to the families of victims who lost their lives in smuggling-related incidents last year.
He condemned the killings and emphasized that it was not URA’s intention to harm citizens in the execution of its mandate.
Later in the day, the duo met and condoled with the aggrieved families.
