URA set to Host Landmark Regional Integrity Forum to Boost Revenue Mobilization through Transparency
In a pioneering effort to promote transparency and accountability, the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) is set to host the first-ever Regional Integrity Forum in Mbarara next week. This groundbreaking event will convene stakeholders from across the region to explore the critical intersection between revenue mobilization and integrity.
Themed ‘Enhancing Revenue Mobilization through Integrity’ the forum aims to foster a culture of transparency, accountability, and trust in tax administration. URA’s commitment to integrity is evident in its mission to “mobilize revenue and promote economic growth.”
Key Objectives:
Share best practices in revenue mobilization and integrity
Foster regional cooperation to combat tax evasion
Promote transparency and accountability in tax administration
Expected Outcomes:
Strengthened relationships among regional tax authorities
Enhanced capacity for integrity and revenue mobilization
Improved public trust and confidence in tax administration
URA’s Commissioner General, John Musinguzi, emphasized, “Integrity is the backbone of effective revenue mobilization. This forum will catalyze our collective efforts to promote transparency and accountability.”
URA made waves in 2022 when its approach to integrity assessment, based on the WCO Revised Arusha Declaration and its Comprehensive Integrity Strategy, earned applause from the East African Revenue Authorities Technical Committee on Integrity (EARATCI). This recognition led to URA being nominated to spearhead regional integrity assessment and strategy development initiatives.
At the 15th meeting of the technical committee in Juba, South Sudan, Commissioner General of South Sudan National Revenue Authority (NRA), Mr. Patrick Mugoya, emphasized the urgent need to combat complacency that enables corruption in many African countries and institutions.
EARATCI’s Objective
EARATCI, a sub-committee of the East African Revenue Authorities Commissioner Generals Summit, brings together internal affairs functions of six East African Revenue Authorities:
Kenya Revenue Authority
Office Burundian des Recettes
National Revenue Authority
Rwanda Revenue Authority
Tanzania Revenue Authority
Uganda Revenue Authority
This collaborative effort aims to promote integrity and transparency in revenue administration.
URA’s Leadership Role
James Abola, Assistant Commissioner Staff Compliance, led the URA delegation, comprising James Asiimwe Kamara and Ms. Charlene Rwemereza, both managers in the same division.
By taking the lead in regional integrity initiatives, URA demonstrates its commitment to enhancing revenue mobilization through transparency and accountability.
