URA targets Shs31.98 trillion revenue for 2024/25 amid budget challenges

Speaking at the East African Community post-Budget Dialogue held at Hotel Africana, Catherine Donovan, the URA Commissioner for Legal Services, acknowledged the challenge of collecting revenue to fund the substantial Shs72.136 trillion national budget.

"URA faces a significant challenge in collecting revenue, which is difficult but feasible and achievable through collaboration with policymakers, traders, business communities, and industry leaders," Kyokunda said.

Kyokunda expressed confidence in URA’s ability to enhance tax administration, expand the tax base, and improve compliance to meet the target.

She explained that URA's key priorities include introducing new tax measures and improving efficiency in revenue collection through continuous tax sensitisation.

The authority’s efforts aim to ensure a significant contribution to the national budget, funding critical public services and development projects.

Kyokunda’s remarks highlight URA’s commitment to robust tax administration, which is crucial for Uganda’s economic growth and development.

The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of East African Community Affairs, Rebecca Kadaga, emphasized that taxation is the lifeblood of government, providing essential funds for infrastructure development and social welfare programs.

She stressed the importance of creating a conducive environment that fosters investments and promotes economic development.

“We must create a tax environment that encourages investment, supports business development, and ensures that the budget is fairly distributed among all segments of society,” she said.

The Director of Economic Affairs from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Moses Kaggwa, noted that the Ministry will embrace opportunities to dialogue with civil society and the wider citizenry to increase participation in policy formulation.