URA tax awards: Minister tips traders on government low-interest loans

The Minister for Finance Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Matia Kasaija has asked traders to approach the government for low-interest loans to boost their businesses.

Speaking at the Uganda Revenue Authority’s Taxpayers Appreciation Awards Day on Wednesday, Kasaija assured business owners that the government is ready to support them access low-interest funding.

“We have different schemes from our banks. If your business is constraining you, come to my office. I will show you where you can get some money at a fairly low price,” the Minister said.

He appreciated taxpayers for paying taxes. “You have pushed us at a level which I am very proud of and the economy is moving.”

Kasaija also used the occasion to call out the corrupt.

“There are people who are stealing our money, but I can assure you, we shall defeat them,” he declared.

In his address, URA Commissioner General John R. Musinguzi appreciated taxpayers noting that their steadfast compliance has allowed Uganda to rise from global economic shocks.

He explained that their contributions have aided government in building infrastructure that connects people, businesses, opportunities and provision of security, peace and stability.

“Taxes are not merely a financial contribution. But an investment into our collective aspirations. They fund the education of our children, ensure quality health care of our communities and they build the infrastructure,” he said.

Musinguzi added that taxes drive innovation and job creation, thus enabling a broad spectrum of essential services that underpin national progress and transformation.

He emphasized the need for a collective effort to drive Uganda towards economic independence and self-resilience.

There were four kinds of awards; – Excel, Vantage, the Commissioner General’s Award and Platinum.

The Excel Awards:

1- Umeme Ltd

2-  Tororo Cement

3-  American Tower Corporation (ATC)

The Vantage Awards:

1-  Ms. Rugasira Judy

2-  Participatory Ecological Land Use Management-

3-  Mr. Thakkar Sameer

4-  East African Chains Uganda Ltd

5-  Mothers to Mothers Uganda

6-  Mr. Kalondo Moses

7-  Multiline International Ltd

8-  Mrs. Anna de Boer Santa

9-  One World Health Ltd

10-  Mr. Jingo Selestin

11-  PAG Mission Health Unit

12-  Mr. Kinyera Henry

13-  Angal St. Luke Hospital

14-  Mr. Otim James

15-  Taibah International School

16-  Fairway Hotel Ltd-

The Commissioner General’s Awards

1-  Uganda Police Force-

2-  Federation of East African Freight Forwarders Association-  

3-  Vision Group

 4-  Abby Nkaaga

The Platinum Awards:

1- Uganda Breweries

 2- Scoul Uganda

 3- Bidco Uganda

 4- Centenary Bank

The Platinum Awards: Apex Bodies

1-  Uganda Manufacturers Association-  

2-  Uganda Bankers Association-