Denis Kugonza Kateeba Appointed New Commissioner for Domestic Taxes at URA

The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has appointed Mr. Denis Kugonza Kateeba as the new Commissioner for Domestic Taxes (CDT), a role that places him at the center of mobilizing revenue to finance the country’s growing budget.

A Career Built on Experience

Mr. Kateeba brings over two decades of experience in taxation, auditing, and financial management. He first joined URA in 2005 as a Domestic Taxes officer before serving in senior roles across government agencies such as the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) and the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS).

From 2008 to 2021, he was credited with streamlining financial systems, improving accountability, and modernizing public sector management. He also gained international exposure while working in the United Kingdom with Howard Frank Chartered Accountants & Auditors, where he specialized in external auditing and private sector financial reviews.

In 2021, he returned to URA as Commissioner for Tax Investigations, where he made significant reforms in fraud detection, digital forensics, and inter-agency coordination.

Achievements in Tax Administration

During his tenure as Commissioner for Tax Investigations, Mr. Kateeba spearheaded several reforms, including:

• Introducing withholding tax on agency banking.
• Supporting the passage of the Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI) Bill, 2023.
• Establishing specialized fraud investigation units targeting high-risk sectors such as telecoms, manufacturing, and wholesale trade.
• Dismantling complex tax fraud schemes involving invoice trading, sales suppression, and motor vehicle fraud.

Colleagues describe him as a firm but collaborative leader, widely respected for his integrity, patriotism, and zero tolerance for corruption.

Academic and Professional Background

Mr. Kateeba is a Fellow Chartered Certified Accountant (FCCA), a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Public Sector Management alongside a Bachelor of Commerce degree. He has also completed professional courses in forensic auditing, financial intelligence, and leadership from global institutions, including the World Bank and Crown Agents in London.

The Road Ahead

As Commissioner for Domestic Taxes, Mr. Kateeba is expected to focus on digitizing tax systems, expanding the taxpayer register, and strengthening compliance. URA insiders believe his track record in financial reforms and fraud detection will shape a more efficient and transparent revenue administration.

His appointment is seen as both a homecoming to the Domestic Taxes Department, where he started his URA journey, and a strategic move to boost revenue mobilization as Uganda faces increasing fiscal demands.