Share this article

Uganda Revenue Authority fired 80 employees over corruption, garnering praise from lawmakers during a facility tour. The Parliamentary Committee commended URA’s anti-corruption efforts and discussed strategies to enhance revenue generation.

Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has sacked 80 staff over corruption.

The tax agency did not, however, disclose the time frame in which the employees were let go.

At the beginning of a familiarization tour of the tax body’s regional facilities, the Parliamentary Committee on Finance, Planning, and Economic Development was informed of the development.

URA was praised by the lawmakers for adopting a strong stance in the battle against corruption.

“The 84 staff that you have so far sent away is a good lesson. Do not relent. One of the aspects pulling down this country is corruption; therefore, there is a need to commend you for fighting the vice,” Avur Jane Pacuto, the committee Vice Chairperson said.

Pacuto made these statements as the Committee Members and URA Commissioner General, John Musinguzi, met to discuss their upcoming visit of various URA stations to better understand and appreciate the authority’s activities.

The legislators’ journey, which started on Tuesday 3^rd October 2023, will take them to locations such as the Malaba, Busia, Lwakhakha, Mutukula, Katuna, Mirama Hills, and Masaka offices. The MPs will also go to significant taxpayers, such Jinja’s Nile Breweries.

Musinguzi thanked the MPs in his briefing for their ongoing assistance to the tax authority.

“We thank you (Parliament) for supporting us because many have come to accuse us before you, but that has not deterred us from generating revenue,” he said.

He told the MPs some of the strategies the authority is implementing to enhance revenue mobilization.

“We are closing revenue leakages, strongly and boldly dealing with corruption, introducing performance management, and improving efficiencies. We are deliberate about innovations to simplify the customer’s journey. You can pay any tax using the USSD code; this month we shall be launching all the IT initiatives,” Musinguzi noted.

To improve employee performance, he continued, the authority has implemented a new performance management system.

“We’ll introduce performance prizes to thank people who put in so much effort. We would encourage the underachievers and help them, if necessary,” added Musinguzi.

The committee’s chair, Dr. Keefa Kiwanuka, requested additional interactions to better understand how to provide support for URA.

“As parliament, we need to comprehend how we may better assist you in this generation’s attempts. It is an issue, so we want to understand how you are doing with the rental tax,” he said.