New Vision (Kampala)
Peter Kaujju
4 November 2009
opinion
Kampala — UGANDA marked 47 years of autonomy last month with lots fanfare from various categories of people, including the private sector, the armed forces and the World War veterans. But the intriguing question remains; are we independent economically?
Many strides have been registered in line with revenue collection over the years, but taxpayers have a critical role to play.
This financial year, the Uganda Revenue Authority was tasked to raise sh4.4 trillion. Last year, the tax body had a target of sh3.9 trillion. This is no mean achievement compared to sh133.7b realised in 1991.
Currently, Uganda funds 65% of her national budget. This has been improving over time. We can do more as taxpayers to lift the Pearl out of dependence.
It is important to note that some taxpayers have stood to this noble cause by not just honouring their tax obligations, but doing it in time. Sadly, others do otherwise.
Taxpayers that believe in beating the system continue to dodge taxation through smuggling, falsifying documents like receipts and invoices, or failure to keep records.
How can taxpayers contribute to independence?
Registration: It is important for you to register with URA and receive a tax identification number. This is a unique identifier for every taxpayer.
Records: Endeavour to keep proper records of all transactions pertaining to the business as a taxpayer.
Filing returns: Remember to submit your income tax returns on time as stipulated and pay what is due.
Smuggling: Avoid trying to bring into the country any dutiable items through ungazetted routes. This is a big revenue leakage and promotes unfair competition.
Bribe: Do not, at anyone time, offer a bribe to any officer of the Uganda Revenue Authority. In case an officer asks for kitu kidogo (bribe), call our hotline: 0417442222.
URA embraced a zero tolerance to corruption policy and currently runs an integrity enhancement project, which has yielded abundant positive results.
The writer works with the Uganda Revenue Authority as a public and corporate affairs officer
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