Uganda Wins Seat on African Tax Administration Forum Council

“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,” said John Musinguzi, Commissioner General of the URA.
Uganda has secured a seat on the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) Council during the recently concluded General Assembly held at the Radisson Blu Convention Centre in Kigali, Rwanda. This milestone highlights Uganda’s growing influence and commitment to improving tax administration and fostering regional cooperation across Africa.
The Commissioner General of the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), John Musinguzi, was elected by the General Assembly to represent the East African Community (EAC) region on the ATAF Council for the next two years. This development, announced during the ATAF Annual Meeting that concluded last Friday, cements Uganda’s role in shaping tax policies and initiatives across the continent.
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In his new role on the ATAF Council, Musinguzi will oversee the Secretariat's work while facilitating communication between member states on tax administration issues. He will also ensure ATAF’s activities align with its strategic objectives and approve proposed initiatives.
“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,” said John Musinguzi, Commissioner General of the URA.
Musinguzi further noted that this recognition will enhance Uganda’s tax administration systems, promote transparency, and encourage voluntary compliance. “This win serves as a benchmark for other African countries, showcasing best practices in tax administration,” he added.
Uganda's Role and ATAF’s Growing Influence
Uganda has been an active participant in ATAF, contributing to tax compliance, capacity building, and knowledge sharing among African tax administrations. Uganda’s election to the ATAF Council reflects its leadership and growing reputation within the African tax community.
The African Tax Administration Forum, launched in 2009 in Kampala, Uganda, is a key platform for African tax administrations to collaborate, address shared challenges, and amplify Africa’s voice on international tax matters. With 37 member countries, ATAF has positioned itself as Africa’s homegrown solution to improving revenue collection, advancing taxation’s role in governance, and fostering development.
Over the past decade, ATAF has achieved significant milestones that have shaped revenue performance across the continent. The Forum is recognized by the African Union as the lead agency on continental tax matters and has established a Memorandum of Understanding with the Pan-African Parliament to adopt its model on Double Taxation Agreements (DTA) at a continental level.
ATAF’s role in the global tax agenda has also grown significantly. It is a key player in the Inclusive Framework and the UN Committee of Experts, where it promotes African perspectives and represents the interests of its member states on critical tax issues.
Capacity Building and Technical Support
ATAF has provided significant technical assistance and capacity-building programs to its members. Over the years, the Forum has trained over 15,000 tax officials on various tax administration areas, including international taxation, tax treaties, transfer pricing, tax audits, VAT, and taxing natural resources. It has also established technical committees such as the Legal Counsel Network and the Exchange of Information Technical Committee to address specific challenges faced by tax administrations.
Through its programs, ATAF has played a pivotal role in helping member states revise key tax legislations, enabling them to increase revenue mobilization. “I want to applaud ATAF’s capacity-building and revenue mobilization initiatives, which continue to strengthen revenue administrations in Africa,” Musinguzi emphasized.
A Platform for African Collaboration
ATAF’s efforts to advance tax governance and develop tailored solutions have earned it regional and international recognition. By fostering knowledge sharing, capacity building, and advocacy, ATAF has cemented its position as the leading organization on Africa’s tax matters.
Uganda’s election to the ATAF Council not only demonstrates the country’s contributions to Africa’s tax community but also sets the stage for greater collaboration and innovation in tax administration across the continent. With John Musinguzi at the helm representing the EAC region, Uganda is poised to play a significant role in driving ATAF’s vision forward for the next two years.