The Parliamentary Committee on Finance, Planning, and Economic Development has applauded the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) for strongly fighting corruption.
Hon. Avur Jane Pacuto, the Vice Chairperson of the Committee, made these remarks during a meeting between the Committee Members and the Commissioner General of URA, John R. Musinguzi, as they prepared to embark on a tour to various URA stations to get a better understanding and appreciation of the authority’s operations.
“The 84 staff that you have so far sent away is a good lesson. Do not sympathise. One of the aspects pulling down this country is corruption. Therefore, there is a need to commend you for fighting the vice,” Pacuto said.
Musinguzi appreciated the MPs for the continuous support they extend towards URA.
“We thank 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 noted some of the strategies the authority is implementing to enhance revenue mobilisation.
“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.
Dr. Keefa Kiwanuka, the Committee Chairperson, requested more engagements with URA to understand how to extend support to URA better.
The tour will see the parliamentarians visit stations including the One-Stop Border Posts of Malaba, Busia, Lwakhakha, Mutukula, Katuna, Mirama Hills, and the Masaka offices.
The MPs will also visit large taxpayers, like Nile breweries in Jinja during the course of the tour.
