BY F K MALE
Minister of Finance and Economic Development Matia Kasaijja has launched the Uganda Revenue Authority’s (URA) Digital Transformation Strategy for the next five years, from 2023 to 2028.
The minister expressed his determination to reduce the nation’s reliance on debt by increasing tax collection. He emphasized that this move is essential to safeguard Uganda’s sovereignty and ensure a stronger economy.
Minister Kasaijja, who has been seeking loans, stressed the urgency of collaborating with URA to raise the tax-to-GDP ratio from the current 14 percent to an impressive 20 percent within the next three years. He also pledged to personally oversee this endeavor, showing his commitment to this cause.
The URA Commissioner General, John Musinguzi, highlighted the significance of modernizing the authority’s systems to enhance revenue collection efficiency. The digitization strategy covers all aspects of taxation, from registration to return filing, making the entire process more timely, accessible, and transparent.
Thaddeus Musoke, the acting chairperson of the Kampala City Traders’ Association, lauded the digitization agenda for reducing misunderstandings between taxpayers and revenue collectors.
This transformation promises to save time, create a level playing field for businesses, eliminate favoritism, and ensure fair taxation while reducing corruption tendencies.
With this digital transformation strategy, Uganda is taking a significant step towards bolstering its economy, reducing its reliance on debt, and ensuring a fair and efficient tax collection system.