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URA has launched a tax service center in Kikuubo, downtown Kampala, to make tax services more accessible to the local business community. The initiative, directed by President Museveni, aims to support taxpayers and bridge the gap between them and tax collectors.

John Musinguzi, URA Commissioner General cutting the ribbon as he launches the New URA Offices at Kikuubo in the city Centre of Kampala on Sunday, June 23, 2024.

The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has inaugurated a tax service center in Kikuubo, downtown Kampala, to enhance service accessibility for taxpayers.

“We are here today to inaugurate our taxpayer service center for the business area of Kikuubo. Previously, the nearest offices serving this community were located at the Boulevard building along Kampala Road and our headquarters in Nakawa,” stated John Musinguzi Rujoki, the URA Commissioner General, during the launch on Sunday, June 23, 2024.

As part of ongoing negotiations between the government and traders regarding the Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing Solution (EFRIS) a system used to collect the 18% Value Added Tax (VAT) President Yoweri Museveni directed the URA to bring services closer to taxpayers.

“In an effort to better reach and serve our taxpayers, URA has devised a plan to establish taxpayer support centers in key areas with significant numbers of taxpayers,” Rujoki said. “This initiative aims to provide better service and support.”

Taxpayer Support Centre for the business area of Kikuubo, downtown Kampala

Rujoki noted that the stand-off over EFRIS highlighted a significant gap between taxpayers and tax collectors, which has been exploited negatively.

“We intend to bridge the knowledge gap between us and our taxpayers. Today, we have commenced with this office and will subsequently open four other regional centers in key business areas such as Gulu, Mbale, Mbarara, and Masaka to be closer to our taxpayers,” Rujoki added.

He emphasized that the services are entirely free and that the centers will offer assistance not only in taxation matters but also in related inquiries.

“We aim to empower taxpayers in these areas. If a trader is unsure how to file returns, instead of incurring costs, we will have dedicated staff to provide support. We will also assist those unfamiliar with new technologies such as EFRIS. This is a walk-in office open to any Kikuubo trader seeking clarity on issues such as filing and VAT calculation. However, we urge our traders not to offer bribes to our workers for any illegality related to URA work,” he said.

John Musinguzi, URA Commissioner General interacting with one of the traders after launching the URA offices at Kikuubo in the city Centre on Sunday, June 23, 2024

Traders in Kikuubo, including Peter Kasaga and Mariam Nambalilwa, welcomed the URA’s decision to open a service center in the area, expressing hope that it will simplify the process of securing licenses for traders.

“Having easy access to URA staff is beneficial for us and the country because traveling to Nakawa for services such as licenses is inconvenient,” Nambalilwa remarked.