The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Commissioner General John Musinguzi outlines ways of hitting this target
| THE INDEPENDENT | Uganda Revenue Authority Commissioner General John Rujoki Musinguzi has outlined his plan that will make it possible for him to achieve the Shs25.1tn target for FY2022/23 set by the Minister of Finance Planning and Economic Development.
Speaking to journalists at the Authority’s headquarters in Nakawa Kampala Musinguzi said, “I must note that the revenue mobilisation target for FY2022/23 stands at Shs25.15 trillion. I must also categorically echo the words of the Honourable Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, – Hon Matia Kasaija and remind every Ugandan that the Government did not introduce any new taxes this Financial Year 2022/23 to foster speedy economic recovery.”
Ugandan taxpayers are currently operating in a harsh economic environment characterised by skyrocketing commodity prices especially fuel and food. The Bank of Uganda has also indicated through its monetary policy that the economy is not good enough to support aggressive commercial bank lending agenda – this could negatively impact private sector expansion and growth plans that would result into more tax revenue to government.
However, Musinguzi said, in the new fiscal financial year, their focus will be on ensuring that they implement administrative and efficiency measures that will assist taxpayers in meeting their obligations, so that they can all work together to lift the country out of the shame of deficits and economic dependence.
“URA will focus on efficiency in collection using intelligence and technology to close all revenue leakages. We shall continue with the ongoing taxpayer register expansion and cleaning exercise while also promoting staff integrity, professionalism, and zero tolerance for corruption,” he said.
He added, URA will focus on consolidating and refining the gains scored with the adoption of the key technologies such as Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing Solution (EFRIS), the Digital Tracking Solution (DTS) and the Rental Management System, all aimed at improving business efficiencies to ultimately combat revenue leakage.
He also said, the Cargo Tracking System and Non-Intrusive Inspection Technologies will be enhanced and fully integrated with their Central IT systems for effective trade facilitation and transparency.
That URA will also roll out an intensive taxpayer education programme, improve service delivery, and promote transparency; and continue with the ongoing stakeholder collaborations, especially in the areas of information sharing, systems integration, and taxpayer mobilization.
To increase the accessibility of our services, Musinguzi said, URA will utilise mobile tax services through mobile outreach services to taxpayers, especially in areas where URA does not have a physical presence.
2021/22 performance
Despite the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and other global economic crises, Musinguzi said, Ugandan taxpayers maintained their determination to contribute their fair share of revenue.
During the last Financial Year2021-22, URA collected Shs21.6trillion—the biggest collection in the history of our country. The revenue grew by 12.44 per cent as compared to collections for FY 2020/21, which reflects a nominal growth in revenue of Shs2.3trillion. However, the outturn for the year saw a net revenue collection of Shs21.6trillion, short of Shs704billion against a target of Shs22.3trillion.
The growth in revenue performance is attributed to measures such as deepened taxpayer education, improved arrears management, further expansion of the tax register (currently at more than 2.5 million taxpayers), enhanced country-wide customs and domestic taxes enforcement initiatives, leveraging alternative dispute resolution and strengthening tax investigation initiatives.
Domestic, customs performance
This category registered a collection amounting to Shs13.6trillion against a target of Shs14.6trillion, registering a deficit of Shs997billion and a performance rate of 93per cent.
Taxpayers contributed Shs1.5trillion (12.52 per cent) more by way of domestic taxes compared to the last financial year.
The customs collections were Shs8.4trillion against a target of Shs8.1trillion, posting a surplus of Shs294billion and registering a performance of 103per cent. Again, traders contributed Shs929billion more by way of customs taxes than they did during the last financial year.
“As URA, we are committed to doing everything in our power to ensure that the revenue mobilization gains made in the just-concluded year are not only consolidated but also improved in this financial year 2022/23,” Musinguzi said.
URA continues to advocate for faster tax dispute resolution through the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) platform. “We believe it is a win-win for the tax authority and the taxpayer, saving both parties legal costs and time,” he added.
****
