URA targets new businesses in Iganga taxpayer sensitisation drive

What the report says

The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has held a taxpayer sensitisation meeting in Iganga District for newly registered businesses and owners from nearby eastern Uganda districts. According to Nile Post, the session focused on explaining tax obligations, taxpayer rights and the consequences of failing to comply, as part of URA’s wider approach of education, engagement and enforcement.

URA officials said the outreach was aimed in particular at business owners who had registered companies within the past year. The meeting also addressed common points of confusion, including the difference between rental tax administered by URA and property tax collected by local governments. Obed Ahamya, a domestic taxes officer at URA’s Iganga station, said some disputes arise because taxpayers do not clearly understand their responsibilities or do not voluntarily declare income.

The officials outlined rights such as fair treatment and confidentiality, while also reminding businesses to register, file returns, and pay taxes on time. Andrew Bukenya, a URA tax education officer, noted that if a business closes or becomes dormant, owners need to inform URA or apply to deactivate their Tax Identification Number, otherwise the company may still be treated as active. He said compliant businesses can benefit from tax compliance certificates, including when bidding for government contracts.

The engagement reflects URA’s broader effort to improve voluntary compliance and reduce conflict during field enforcement. More generally, taxpayer education is often used by revenue authorities to improve understanding before penalties are imposed.