Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) Commissioner General, John R. Musinguzi (pictured above) has said the tax body is committed to fighting all forms of corruption.
“The Board of Directors and Management of URA are committed to attaining zero tolerance to all forms of corruption. In addition to the routine integrity activities carried out by leaders and staff, I wish to highlight some of the strategic actions that are being undertaken to enhance integrity and eradicate corruption,” Musinguzi said in a statement dated December 9th, 2020 to commemorate the International Anti-Corruption Day.
Below is his full statement;
Today, on International Anti-Corruption Day, we reflect both on the remarkable progress that has been made in the fight against corruption as well as the considerable challenges that remain. The Uganda National theme “Promoting social accountability through active citizenry” – points us toward a collective effort that will lead us to a corruption-free URA and Uganda in general.
As we aim to deliver Uganda from economic dependence, the highest level of integrity is required from both the staff of URA and our key stakeholders such as taxpayers, tax agents, and clearing agents. The importance of integrity among staff and stakeholders is demonstrated in the following integrity equation.
100% Integrity = 100% assessment + 100% tax payment.
The Board of Directors and Management of URA are committed to attaining zero tolerance to all forms of corruption. In addition to the routine integrity activities carried out by leaders and staff, I wish to highlight some of the strategic actions that are being undertaken to enhance integrity and eradicate corruption.
The Board approved the usage of Lifestyle Audit. This is a great tool to bring to account any individual that might have undeclared or unaccounted for wealth.
Several policies are being developed and others reviewed to improve the conditions for integrity. These include the Whistleblower policy and guidelines, Conflict of Interest guidelines, the URA Offence schedule and the Prevention of Harassment, Sexual Harassment, and Abuse of Authority policy.
We are continually reviewing, improving and automating our processes to improve efficiency and remove bottlenecks that breed corruption.
URA recently launched a Change and Culture Transformation initiative that will, among other things, improve the URA integrity culture.
In the next few months, we will be developing the URA Comprehensive Integrity Strategy that will empower all staff to function with the highest level of integrity.
In conclusion, integrity is the easier part of what is expected from all URA staff. Every staff should know how to live a life of integrity. Integrity is as clear as black and white; you either have it or you don’t. The public’s perception of URA will change when staff consistently act with integrity. Integrity, therefore, demands our absolute commitment and we will not have it if we are quick to compromise or allow to be compromised.
For God and My Country
God bless you all
John R. Musinguzi
Commissioner General
Uganda Revenue Authority
