URA Opens Support Centre in Kikuubo

Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has opened a new support center in Downtown Kampala.

According to the URA Commissioner General, John Musinguzi, the service center is meant to offer free technical tax support to the Kikuubo community traders.

“We want to bridge the knowledge gap between us and our taxpayers. This is the first office, but we’ll open similar ones in Mbale, Gulu, Mbarara, and Masaka,” John Musinguzi, URA CG.

The URA chief also noted that the services offered will be free and not limited to taxation inquiries. URA says setting up the service center was inspired by the fact that some traders don’t know how to do simple things like filing returns.

The tax body expects a boost in collections once they support traders and provide a conducive environment for paying taxes.

“It is a walk-in office open to any Kikuubo trader wanting to make inquiries.” – URA CG.

Mr. Musinguzi also called upon traders to maximize the opportunity. He also warned against trying to make shortcuts by attempting to bribe the staff.

Among the services traders can expect at the support center is education about the controversial EFRIS.

EFRIS, the Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing Solution, has dominated conversations in the public space over the last couple of months. This peaked when traders in Kampala closed their shops over what they called double taxation by the system meant to ensure real-time tracking of sales transactions.

URA decision attracts mixed reactions

However, the tax collecting body has received mixed reactions over the choice of location. The service center is housed in a container that’s been placed in front of a couple of shops in a road reserve.

Some of the traders have commended URA’s efforts to bridge the knowledge gap. They believe this will go a long way in boosting tax collections.

However, a section of citizens is not impressed with URA’s decision. A one Kamba Michael on X warned the Commissioner General that the structure is an illegal one.

However, CG John Musinguzi said it is only a temporary space to handle an urgent need. He announced plans of shifting to a larger and more permanent location.