Inside the Corruption

What the report says

The Uganda Revenue Authority has dismissed two senior officials after internal disciplinary proceedings over alleged corruption, fraud and abuse of office, according to Nile Post. The officials are Commissioner for Customs Asadu Kisitu Kigozi and Assistant Commissioner for Integrity, Compliance and Ethics James Abola. URA spokesperson Robert Kalumba confirmed the sackings and said they were linked to corruption-related issues.

Nile Post reported that Kigozi faced several allegations, including allegedly seeking a Shs309 million bribe from a clearing agent in 2025, concealing compliance information and a tax liability involving Master Grain Milling Ltd, and allowing uneven tax treatment for similar products in a way that favored one businessman over others. The article also says he was found responsible for ordering the clearance of a Rolls-Royce in 2026 without proper customs procedures, valuation and tax payment.

Abola was said to have been dismissed for gross negligence and for aiding or abetting offences in connection with internal fraud investigations. The report says he was supposed to handle a PRN fraud case in 2024 but failed to pursue it properly, and later altered findings in a related investigation in 2025. URA’s customs and integrity units play central roles in revenue protection and internal oversight, so the removals are significant for the tax authority’s anti-corruption efforts and public credibility.

The dismissals come as URA is also dealing with criticism over its engagement with traders, after a recent meeting with business representatives collapsed amid objections to security restrictions at the venue.