Uganda’s taxpayer appreciation gala highlights economic heroes and revenue growth

The Uganda Revenue Authority has hosted and celebrated its 17th Annual Taxpayers Appreciation Awards, recognizing the nation’s Economic Heroes – the most compliant taxpayers. The event, chief hosted by the Minister for Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, Matia Kasaija, showcased the resilience of Uganda’s economy amidst various challenges.

Minister Kasaija highlighted the top 22 taxpayers for their continuous compliance, contributing significantly to economic growth. He also emphasized the government’s commitment to industrialization and outlined strategies for inclusive growth, employment, and wealth creation.

The Tourism sector, severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, exceeded expectations, recovering within two years instead of the projected five. Kasaija commended the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) for achieving a 12.4% revenue growth, collecting UGX 21.66 trillion in the fiscal year 2021/22.

The minister pledged continued support to URA’s mandate, aiming to liberate Uganda from donor dependency. He concluded by thanking taxpayers and development partners for their contributions.

The Permanent Secretary Secretary to the Treasury Ramathan Ggoobi, acknowledged taxpayers’ sacrifices, noting a substantial increase in revenue collections from UGX 134 billion in 1990/91 to UGX 25,567 billion in FY 2022/23.

He recognized taxpayers for their role in achievements across education, health, infrastructure, and peace, emphasizing the need for further growth.

Individual awards: The Taxpayers Appreciation Vantage Award for 2023 went to Mr. Govind Pindoriya of JOTIKA Hardware in Hoima and Richard Canopwonya Lander from Northern Uganda. Both were lauded for their tax compliance and significant contributions to their regions.

The Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, the Guest of Honor, expressed gratitude for the Taxpayer Appreciation Season, commending URA for its series of events. She emphasized the importance of government accountability and transparency in utilizing collected revenues. Nabbanja encouraged URA’s move towards a service-oriented organization and urged taxpayers to pay on time for voluntary compliance.

The Prime Minister acknowledged challenges in tax administration but assured government support for URA’s ventures. She congratulated the awardees, recognizing their vital role in Uganda’s economic growth.

As Uganda concludes its Taxpayer Appreciation Season, the nation celebrates not only compliant taxpayers but also the achievements of URA in the past year. The event showcased the collaborative efforts of the government, taxpayers, and URA in building a self-sustaining and economically vibrant Uganda.