A former Uganda Revenue Authority (URA)tax officer, has been remanded to Luzira prison over allegations of causing the government over Ugx 9 billion in losses.
The tax officer, identified as Dennis Tumusiime, is a 43-year-old resident of Katalevillage Nsangi Parish Kyengera Subcounty, Wakiso District.
Tunusiime was remanded by the Anti Corruption court on April 5th, after being charged with six counts of abuse of office and causing financial loss.
According to Stuart Ahabwe, the lead prosecution, Tumusiime adjusted and reduced various companies and individuals’ taxes between 2019 and 2021 without justification – well aware that his actions would cause government a financial loss.
“Tumusiime reportedly adjusted the ledgers of Fast Forwarding and Shipping Company Limited from shs. 648,729 to zero. Between January and December 2020, Tumusiime reduced the tax liability worth Shs 1.1 billion for African Capacity Development and Research Institute, Bageine and Company Limited, Brand guard Limited, Flavish Events Limited, J and E Civil Engineering Works Limited, Krystal Concepts Limited, Mass Projects Uganda Limited, Mr Shem Bageine Bajura, Mukasa Couriers Limited, Prime Machinery Limited, Summy Trading International Company Limited, Swisa Enterprises Limited and Twincom Technologies Limited,” the prosecution said.
It is also alleged that between January and December 2021, Tumusiime reduced tax worth Ugx 4.5 billion from goods of Amiancy Investments Company Limited, Arcano Investments Limited, Grand Victoria Limited, Mr Kalungi Godfrey, Mr Robert Blick Migadde, Power Consults Engineering Limited, Prestige Electronics and Computers Limited, Rizwan Trading (U) Limited, Sarjan Construction Uganda Limited, Smartec Electronics Limited and Taste Buds Limited.
During the same time, Tumusiime is also accused of reducing the tax liabilities of Smartwatch Solutions Limited, Tumbine Enterprises Limited, Mr Abas Kalule, Grand Victoria Limited worth Shs 3.7 billion.
According to Ahabwe, Tumusiime’s actions were arbitrary towards the interests of Uganda Revenue Authority, his employer.
As inquiries continue, Tumusiime who was represented by lawyer Diana Kasabiiti pleaded not guilty and was remanded until April 13.