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Uganda has been elected to the African Tax Administration Forum Council, with John Musinguzi, Commissioner General of the Uganda Revenue Authority, serving as the East African Community representative for a two-year term.

Uganda has achieved a significant milestone by being elected to the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) Council during the recently concluded General Assembly at the Radisson Blu Convention Centre in Kigali, Rwanda. This honour underscores Uganda’s commitment to advancing tax administration and fostering collaboration among African nations.

Uganda’s representative on the ATAF Council, John Musinguzi, Commissioner General of the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), will serve as the East African Community (EAC) representative for the next two years. His responsibilities include facilitating communication between member states on tax administration matters, aligning ATAF’s activities with strategic objectives, and approving initiatives proposed by the Secretariat.

As an active ATAF member, Uganda has championed tax compliance, capacity building, and knowledge sharing across African tax administrations. Musinguzi lauded the election as a testament to Uganda’s leadership in tax matters.

“I am elated that Uganda has been elected to the ATAF Council. It is a recognition of our efforts to promote tax compliance and administration in Uganda as we continue to work with other African countries to advance our shared goals,” Musinguzi said.

He added that this recognition would enhance Uganda’s tax systems, promote transparency, and encourage voluntary compliance, providing a benchmark for other African nations.

About ATAF

Launched in Kampala in 2009, ATAF is a platform for African tax administrations to collaborate, share experiences, and address common tax challenges. It now boasts 37 member countries and is recognised as Africa’s leading organisation on tax matters. The forum plays a crucial role in improving revenue collection, advancing the role of taxation in governance and development, and amplifying Africa’s voice on international tax issues.

ATAF’s achievements include being recognised by the African Union as the lead agency on continental tax matters and signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Pan-African Parliament to adopt its Double Taxation Agreements (DTA) model continent-wide. The forum also represents African perspectives in global tax discussions through platforms like the Inclusive Framework and the UN Committee of Experts.

Capacity building and technical support

Over the years, ATAF has provided extensive technical assistance and training to member states, focusing on areas such as cross-border taxation, VAT, legal counsel, and information exchange. Through its programs, more than 15,000 officials have been trained in tax treaties, transfer pricing, tax audits, and taxing natural resources. These initiatives have helped countries revise tax legislation and boost revenue collection.

Musinguzi applauded ATAF’s contribution, stating, “I want to applaud ATAF’s capacity building and revenue mobilisation initiatives towards revenue administrations in Africa through the numerous assistance programs.”

Uganda was well-represented at the ATAF annual meeting by CITI Robert Mutebi, CLSBA Catherine Donovan Kyokunda, Ag. ACPCA Robert Kalumba, Ag. AC Compliance Garry Kizito, Executive Assistant to CG Victoria Nabitaka, and AC Risk Management James Malinzi, among others.

This election not only enhances Uganda’s standing in tax administration but also reaffirms its commitment to shaping Africa’s tax landscape.