Crystal Kabajwara is the trailblazing Chairperson of the Tax Appeals Tribunal of Uganda (TAT)—a position she assumed in April 2024, making her the first woman to hold the role in the tribunal’s 25-year history
A Stellar Career in Tax & Law
Crystal’s distinguished career spans leadership roles in PwC Uganda, where she rose to become a Director in the Tax Services division and pioneered PwC Uganda’s international tax and transfer pricing practice—after gaining global exposure with PwC UK
Her tenure at PwC has been marked by deep technical insight, influential thought leadership in tax policy, and mentoring emerging tax professionals.
Transforming Tax Appeals & Institutional Reform
Since her appointment, under Crystal’s leadership the Tribunal resolved 171 tax cases valued at UGX 234 billion within a year.
Stakeholders have praised the transformation in case management, mediation structures, and operational transparency
Crystal also took a principled stand before Parliament, opposing plans to merge TAT with the Electricity Disputes Tribunal, citing risks of case backlog and disruption—demonstrating both legal acumen and strategic foresight
Voice of the Sector & Thought Leadership
An active contributor to national tax discourse, Crystal has authored articles such as “Tax compliance: An imperative for family businesses” (New Vision, 2021), and co-authored opinion pieces in Kenyan Wall Street and CEO East Africa Magazine
In interviews, she shares insights like “Separate the meaningful from the urgent”—a leadership mantra praised for its practical wisdom
Governance Roles, Mentorship & Credentials
As an Advocate of the High Court of Uganda, Crystal is a member of both the Uganda and East African Law Societies
She is also a dedicated mentor, supporting young professionals through programmes like Mastercard’s Global Give Back Circle. Her governance roles are enhancing legal culture and capacity within Uganda’s emerging institutional framework.
Why Crystal Moves Nations
Institutional Reform: First female TAT Chair, resolving 171 cases worth UGX 234 billion in one year
Gender & Leadership Breakthrough: Shattering glass ceilings in Uganda’s quasi-judicial landscape
Tax Policy & Advocacy: Author, speaker, and thought leader shaping national tax compliance and fairness
Governance & Mentorship: Courageous for public justice, structural integrity, and support for emerging professionals
Crystal is a living testament to Postdator’s #WomenWhoMoveNations series: a visionary leader whose strategic governance, legal integrity, and pioneering spirit are reshaping tax justice in Uganda.
She inspires a more equitable, efficient, and people-centered public service system for future generations.
