Museveni Establishes Specialized Unit to Enhance URA Operations In a bid to strengthen Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) operations, President Yoweri Museveni has created a new specialized unit to oversee its activities. The unit, known as the Tax Investigations and Enforcement Unit (TIEU), will fall directly under the President’s office. The creation of TIEU is part of Museveni’s broader efforts to address revenue leakages and enhance tax compliance. The president has been vocal in his criticism of URA, accusing it of inefficiencies and lax oversight. The TIEU will be tasked with investigating and prosecuting offenses related to tax evasion, smuggling, and other financial crimes. It will also oversee the enforcement of tax laws and ensure that URA officers are performing their duties diligently. The unit will be headed by a senior official with expertise in tax investigations and enforcement. It will be composed of a multidisciplinary team of professionals, including investigators, auditors, legal experts, and financial analysts. The establishment of TIEU has been welcomed by URA Commissioner General John Musinguzi, who expressed confidence that it will significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of URA operations. “This new unit will provide us with the necessary tools and resources to tackle the challenges of revenue leakages and ensure that all taxpayers fulfill their obligations,” Musinguzi said. The creation of TIEU is also seen as a step towards reducing corruption within URA. The unit’s direct reporting to the President’s office is intended to insulate it from political interference and ensure its independence. Stakeholders in the private sector have also welcomed the move, expressing hope that it will improve the business environment and boost investor confidence. The establishment of TIEU is expected to have a significant impact on Uganda’s revenue collection efforts. It is anticipated that the unit will not only increase the amount of revenue collected but also improve the efficiency and transparency of URA operations.Museveni Establishes New Unit to Oversee Uganda Revenue AuthorityMuseveni Establishes New Unit to Oversee Uganda Revenue Authority President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda has established a new unit to oversee the operations of the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and combat corruption within the tax administration system. The unit, known as the “State House Revenue Intelligence and Strategic Operations Unit,” will be headed by Senior Presidential Adviser David Kalemera. The creation of the unit stems from concerns about tax evasion and corruption within the URA, which have resulted in significant revenue losses for the government. President Museveni has expressed his commitment to eliminating these harmful practices and increasing tax collection in order to support Uganda’s economic development. Mr. Kalemera has emphasized the importance of combating fraud and undue influence in the tax administration system, pledging to expose corrupt practices and ensure that all individuals responsible are held accountable. The establishment of the State House Revenue Intelligence and Strategic Operations Unit is the latest in a series of measures taken by the Ugandan government to address tax-related challenges. President Museveni has previously warned of the negative impact of tax evasion on the country’s ability to meet its economic goals. The government aims to increase tax revenue to 20% of GDP, which would amount to around $11 billion or 48 trillion Uganda shillings. This would significantly boost the budget and provide additional resources for essential public services. President Museveni has condemned tax evaders as “parasites” and has vowed to eliminate them along with undisciplined individuals who hinder the country’s rapid development. He believes that addressing corruption and tax evasion will lead to higher economic growth rates. The establishment of the new unit is a clear signal of the government’s determination to improve tax compliance and ensure that all taxpayers contribute their fair share. It is hoped that the unit’s efforts will result in increased revenue collection, reduced corruption, and a more efficient and transparent tax administration system in Uganda.President Yoweri Museveni has created a new unit within the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU) to oversee operations of Uganda Revenue Authority (URA). The new unit, according to sources, will be headed by a Commissioner of Police (CP) who will report directly to the President. “The unit will be responsible for supervising URA operations, including tax collection, customs and border control,” a source said. The move is seen as a bid by the President to tighten his grip on URA, which has been dogged by corruption allegations in recent years. In 2019, the then URA Commissioner General, Doris Akol, was fired over allegations of corruption. The new unit is expected to work closely with URA’s Internal Audit Department and the Inspectorate of Government (IGG) to investigate and prosecute corruption cases within the tax body. URA is a key source of revenue for the government, accounting for over 60% of the national budget. However, the tax body has been plagued by corruption allegations, with some officials accused of colluding with taxpayers to evade taxes. The creation of the new unit is seen as a step towards addressing these concerns and improving tax collection in the country.