Shs309m Bribe, Rolls-Royce Scandal: Inside the Cases That Cost URA Bosses Their Jobs

What the report says

The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) 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 that two commissioners were sacked on corruption-related grounds.

Nile Post reported that Kigozi’s case involved several accusations, including allegedly seeking a Shs309 million bribe from a clearing agent in 2025. He was also said to have concealed compliance information and the tax liability of Master Grain Milling Ltd, and to have allowed different tax treatment for similar products in a way that favored one businessman over others. The report further says he was accused in 2026 of ordering the clearance of a Rolls-Royce without the proper customs process, including valuation and tax payment.

Abola, who headed URA’s integrity office, was also found guilty in separate disciplinary proceedings. The report says he allegedly failed to pursue a 2024 fraud investigation properly and later altered an investigation report in 2025 while a new team was handling the matter. URA found him guilty of gross negligence and aiding and abetting offences.

The dismissals come as URA faces broader scrutiny over accountability and relations with traders. Nile Post also linked the move to recent public criticism of the tax authority after a disputed meeting with business representatives, underscoring pressure on URA to restore confidence in its customs and compliance systems.