President Museveni speaks out on corruption at URA, we have dispersed them

President Yoweri Museveni has come out to speak about the recent reshuffles at URA that saw former boss Doris Akol and Commissioner of Domestic Taxes Dickson Kateshumbwa sacked. Whisper Eye Reports.

The president was addressing Parliament and Ugandans live from State House at the budget reading.

The President also noted Museveni that Uganda’s tax to GDP ratio which is 14.3% is very low and attributed it to the massive corruption at the Nakawa based body.

Museveni noted that “Uganda has got the lowest tax to GDP ratio. It is only 14.3%. African countries go up to 18% while European countries go up 40%. What is the problem?”

President Museveni noted that “There has been massive corruption in URA,, he added that one I have cleaned as we shall clean some of the other places. We cleaned URA. We were begging as if they are doing us a favour instead of working for their country. We have dispersed them, that URA crowd,”

Just weeks when Doris Akol was sacked then the Commissioner of Domestic taxes Dicksons Kateshumbwa on 29th may 2020 also after a hot meeting was sacked by president Musevni directive.

In a statement issued by URA management on May 30th, the Authority’s Board of Directors made recommendations concerning the reorganization that led to transfer of various senior officers to other positions at the tax collector.

“The Authority would like to inform the public that on 28th May 2020, URA Board of Directors sat and made recommendations concerning the reorganization and management of URA. On 29th May 2020, the following senior officials chose to resign and Board accepted their resignations. The staff are Mr Dicksons Kateshumbwa, Mr Henry Saka, Mr Silaji Kanyesigye Baguma and Mr Samuel Kahima,”the statement read in part.

Following the above development in line with URA leadership regional framework, the Authority announced the composition of Heads of Department and the large taxpayers office.

Mr Patrick Mukiibi was transferred from the position of Commissioner Corporate Services to the position of Commissioner Domestic Taxes.
Mrs Patience Rubagumya remained as Commissioner large services and Board Affairs.
Mr Herbert Rusoke remained Commissioner Internal Audit and Compliance.
Mr Abel Kagumire stayed as Acting Commissioner customs.
Mr Mathew Mugabi was appointed Acting Commissioner Tax Investigations.
Mr James Kizza was also appointed Acting Commissioner Corporate Services.
Mr John Tinka Katungwesi remained Acting Assistant Commissioner large taxpayers office.
Other senior management positions the Authority announced were not affected by the changes.

Museveni who recently said he was tired of parasites in his government has also expressed concern that Landlords are evading taxes on the pretext that they are ever constructing more rental houses which prevents them from paying rental tax. As a result he said, tax will be paid per rental house that is completed.

“We are saying no, pay tax per house,” said Museveni.