URA warns against bribery as it strengthens integrity measures

The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has warned that individuals involved in bribery—whether URA staff or clients—risk arrest as the agency intensifies efforts to promote integrity and transparency in tax administration.

Speaking during a recent engagement with traders in Kasensero, Rakai District, Felicia Nakyeyune, Supervisor of Staff Compliance at URA, emphasized that the agency is not only cleaning up internally but is also targeting external facilitators of corruption.

“If any officer is found soliciting or receiving a bribe—or if a client is found offering one—both parties will be arrested and handed over to police,” she warned.

Nakyeyune urged traders to formalize their businesses, keep proper records, and comply with tax regulations. She reminded them of the UGX 40 trillion national revenue target set for the current financial year, stressing that integrity in tax collection is critical to meeting this goal.

A similar message was delivered in Mutukula by James Abola, Assistant Commissioner in URA’s Integrity, Compliance, and Ethics Division. Addressing cross-border traders, he encouraged especially women to reject corrupt practices, develop clear business goals, and enhance their financial management skills.

The outreach sessions served as platforms for traders to raise concerns, seek clarification on tax issues, and receive guidance on compliance. Women traders were also sensitized about tax exemptions on goods valued below USD 2,000, a measure aimed at supporting small-scale cross-border trade.

Bennza Jane, Chairperson of the Mutukula Women Business Association, welcomed URA’s continued outreach, calling for more regular sessions to help women entrepreneurs better understand their tax obligations and opportunities.

The URA’s ongoing integrity drive comes amid broader efforts to improve tax compliance, curb revenue leaks, and build public trust in Uganda’s tax system.