The Commissioner General of Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), John Musinguzi Rujoki, emphasised the importance of collaboration between government, citizens, and businesses in driving the country’s development.
Speaking during Spotlight Uganda hosted by NBS Television on Monday under the theme, “How UNBS and URA are Transforming Trade in Uganda,” Rujoki expressed gratitude to taxpayers, noting that Uganda’s taxation system is largely based on voluntary compliance.
“Our taxation is based on willingness. It’s only when we suspect an under-declaration that we will review what you declare,” he said, highlighting URA’s commitment to fairness and transparency in tax administration.
Speaking on innovations aimed at improving service delivery, Rujoki reflected on the introduction of the Tax Identification Number (TIN) system.
“When URA came up with the idea of TIN, it was to identify a person or company. However, with the advancements in the registration of our citizens, there is no better unique identifier than the National Identification Number (NIN),” he said.
Rujoki revealed that URA is in the process of shifting from TINs to NINs, a move expected to enhance service delivery and strengthen taxpayer identification.
“The shift from TIN to NIN will improve how we offer services to the citizens,” he said.
He also disclosed ongoing discussions aimed at merging the tax stamp with the standards stamp, a reform expected to streamline compliance and reduce bureaucratic hurdles for traders and businesses.
Rujoki concluded with a call for collective action in national development: “If we are to develop this country, we shall need to do it together.”
URA continues to pursue initiatives that simplify taxation, strengthen compliance, and support Uganda’s broader trade and economic development goals.