It was fun, entertaining and networking as Uganda’s richest man, Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia captained the taxpayers in a mouthwatering charity game played against Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) that was captained by the taxman’s Commissioner General, Doris Akol.
Ruparelia Group of Companies founded by Sudhir is one of the biggest taxpayers in the country.
The thrilling game was played at Legends Sports Ground, Lugogo on Friday afternoon. Unlike professional football where 90 minutes are played, 30 minutes were played in this charity game that attracted Chief Executive Officers of leading companies in as far as tax payment is concerned.
The Tax Derby is part of the activities that URA lined up to climax the Taxpayers Appreciation Month 2019.
The Proceeds from this charity match will be used to support pupils of Bwama Primary School who cross Lake Bunyonyi in rickety canoes.
The game ended goalless after 30 minutes as both sides couldn’t find the net as defenders and goal keepers performed excellently.
After the final whistle, it was time for the penalty shootouts, with both sides showing how poor they are in scoring goals. URA couldn’t score a single penalty while the taxpayers scored their last opportunity to clinch the inaugural tax derby.
Speaking to Business Focus after the game, Ian Rumanyika, Manager Public & Corporate Affairs at URA said the match was “successful” as hundreds of Ugandans turned up to cheer both sides.
“The game was entertaining; it ended goalless after 30 minutes before taxpayers beat URA 1-0 on penalty shootouts,” Rumanyika said.
He added: “We collected Shs82m from the 40 companies that participated. We thank them for paying taxes but also participating in charity causes.”
During the shootouts, URA boss Akol made two saves to keep the collectors in the game.
“She got gloves manufactured from glue. Therefore she had glue spread all over the goal post that no ball went past her for the entire time she was in charge. Sudhir Ruparelia failed to find a spot for goal,” URA twitted.
Akol earlier revealed how proceeds from the tax derby match will be used to support pupils of Bwama Primary School.
“We will buy for them safe motorized boats, life jackets and a water purification system. We urge the public to join us in this noble cause,” she said.
