MOFPED, URA set ambitious target to raise Uganda’s tax-to-GDP ratio to 20% by 2029/30

URA Board chairman Emmanuel Katongole used the meeting to call for stronger data integration between URA and government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), saying this would improve revenue assurance and make it easier to identify tax leakages.

Katongole also proposed the establishment of a centralized internal container depot (ICD) at Namanve to support trade facilitation, reduce delays and costs, and minimize revenue risks. In addition, he raised concern over some of Uganda’s double taxation agreements, saying they limit the country’s ability to fully exercise its taxing rights.

Commissioner General John Musinguzi said domestic revenue mobilization should not be left to URA alone, but must be treated as a shared national responsibility. He noted that stronger compliance, better visibility of economic sectors, coordinated government action and sustained political support would be critical in closing Uganda’s revenue gap.

State Minister for Privatisation and Investment Evelyn Anite also attended the meeting and urged URA to intensify tax education campaigns across the country, expand the tax base and promote business formalisation. She also emphasized the need for URA staff to uphold integrity and avoid corruption.

Uganda has in recent years been under pressure to increase domestic revenue as government seeks to reduce reliance on borrowing and external financing. Raising the tax-to-GDP ratio is seen as one of the key steps toward financing public services and major development priorities from locally generated resources.