URA apologises over staff who abandoned clients to celebrate birthday

Tax body, Uganda Revenue Authority has apologised over the conduct of its staff who abandoned clients to celebrate a birthday for one of their colleagues.

In a 45 second video that went viral on social media over the weekend, URA staff are seen celebrating a birthday for a colleague at the expense of their clients who had been abandoned in the queues.

The clients were seen staring at the URA staff as they went on merrymaking in one of the room’s corners to celebrate a colleague’s birthday.

However, the tax body later apologized over the conduct of their staff.

“We deeply apologize to our clients for this unfortunate experience. We are investigating this matter,” the tax body posted on its twitter handle.

“URA is a client-focused and responsive organization and this is not the URA way. We assure our clients' great customer experience always. It is because of you that we exist.”

Mixed reaction

Following the incident captured on video, the public there was mixed reaction over the conduct of the tax body staff with some members of the public condemning the act whereas others said there was nothing wrong with what had happened.

“This is not good news. A birthday celebration could be postponed,” one Elvin Nuwabeine posted.

Paul Angu said the same incident happens in many government offices, suggesting that unauthorized parties should be banned at places of work.

“So many government offices are being misused at times of work when taxpayers are left waiting,” Angu posted.

However, other members of the public said there was no harm in celebrating a colleague’s birthday.

“I see no big deal. Why can't people be happy for others? After all, it takes only a few minutes,” said Mariam Muhammed on twitter.

Kevin Samula said, “Friendship is supposed to be celebrated, when he dies, it won’t be clients to attend the burial. It will be friends.”