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URA's Musinguzi explains how EFRIS can boost Uganda's economy

John R. Musinguzi, the Commissioner General of the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), has highlighted the transformative potential of the Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing Solution (EFRIS) in improving Uganda’s Tax-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio.
John Musinguzi
John Musinguzi

John R. Musinguzi, the Commissioner General of the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), has highlighted the transformative potential of the Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing Solution (EFRIS) in improving Uganda’s Tax-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio.

Speaking at the URA headquarters in Nakawa, Musinguzi emphasised that EFRIS is a game-changer for Uganda’s tax system, bringing transparency and efficiency to tax administration. He described it as one of the most impactful tools for modern taxation.

Read: Uganda Revenue Authority reports surplus in August tax collections

Launched in 2021, EFRIS simplifies the issuance of receipts and invoices, ensuring accurate reporting of Value Added Tax (VAT).

Despite initial resistance from some taxpayers, Musinguzi believes the system's benefits, such as quicker tax refunds, are gradually winning people over.

“Once taxpayers on EFRIS put in their claims, we are obligated to refund them promptly. More users are starting to appreciate the convenience this technology offers,” he said.

The Commissioner General explained that businesses using EFRIS enjoy fewer audits and faster refund processes. Unlike traditional audits, which can take years due to staff shortages, EFRIS streamlines tax processes by keeping transactions online and accessible.

Read: Government promises to streamline tax incentives for local investors

“With transparent systems like EFRIS, we can process and pay claims much faster because we have visibility of all transactions in real-time,” Musinguzi added.

He called for continued public awareness and education about EFRIS, saying that overcoming resistance would significantly improve Uganda’s Tax-to-GDP ratio.

Musinguzi remains optimistic that embracing EFRIS will create a more efficient and taxpayer-friendly system while contributing to the country's economic growth.

The URA's focus on adopting innovative tools like EFRIS marks a step towards building a more transparent and robust tax system for Uganda.

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