Kampala, Uganda — The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) is undergoing a major transformation as the government announces the recruitment of 1,260 new officers to bolster its reach and bring fairness to the tax system by ensuring high-income earners pay their share.
This move comes amid growing public concern over inequality in tax enforcement — where ordinary citizens and small businesses bear the brunt of taxes, while powerful individuals and big companies often operate in grey areas.
“We are also stepping up efforts to eradicate corruption in revenue collection. Furthermore, we are recruiting 1,260 staff to boost our numbers and reach more taxpayers, especially the high-net-worth individuals in businesses like construction and transport and professionals,” said Minister of State for Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, Henry Musasizi.
The URA, backed by new legislation and political will, is now setting its sights on sectors long seen as untouchable: construction, transport, and elite professional services.
The government is banking on better compliance rather than higher tax rates. By expanding the URA’s footprint, the goal is to collect more from existing sources, particularly those who’ve slipped through the cracks for years.
The new recruits will be trained in compliance enforcement, forensic audits, and digital tracking, helping the authority increase collections to Shs 31.574 trillion for the 2024/25 financial year, an increase of Shs 1.9 trillion from the current target.
Parliament is reviewing a suite of tax-related bills to reinforce the crackdown:
1. Income Tax Amendment Bill No.2, 2025
2. Excise Duty Amendment Bill No.2, 2025
3. VAT Amendment Bill, 2025
4. Tax Procedures Court Amendment Bill, 2025
5. Stamp Duty Amendment Bill, 2025
6. Hides and Skins Export Duty Amendment Bill, 2025
7. External Trade Amendment Bill, 2025
These reforms are designed to tighten enforcement, simplify procedures, and eliminate legal ambiguities that have previously been exploited to avoid taxes.
The 2025/26 national budget has been revised to Shs 57.441 trillion, focusing on essentials like security, electricity, and transport infrastructure. The shift signals a commitment to results-based governance — collect better, spend smarter, and deliver faster.
The recruitment and legislative overhaul mark a pivotal moment in Uganda’s journey toward fiscal justice, national accountability, and economic self-determination.
Original Story: Nile Post…………………………………………….
