In a bid to tackle corruption within Uganda’s tax collection system, President Yoweri Museveni has directed a special investigation into Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) staff accused of facilitating tax evasion at Entebbe International Airport. The move follows an operation that led to the arrest of 16 individuals, including three URA officials, for their alleged involvement in tax evasion activities.
The investigation, led by Susanne Kasingye, special presidential assistant on Police affairs, aims to thoroughly examine claims of tax evasion linked to URA personnel. The operation targeted URA staff stationed at critical points such as scanning machines and customs enforcement, who are accused of allowing undeclared goods to pass through customs without paying required taxes, resulting in substantial revenue losses for the government.
Three URA officials, Phiona Nasasira, Joel Basenza, and Sheila Kamatsiko, were identified as central figures in the tax evasion scheme and were detained for interrogation. Additionally, 13 businessmen were arrested and charged with possession of uncustomed goods, with confiscated goods ranging from electronic devices to cosmetics.
The government estimates that it lost UGX 139 million in taxes due to these activities, which is part of a larger issue within the URA, where corruption and inefficiencies have long hampered effective revenue collection. The recent arrests are part of a broader crackdown on corruption within the URA, with earlier cases including abuse of office and causing financial losses.
The government’s ongoing efforts to clean up the URA and enforce discipline at Entebbe Airport reflect a broader commitment to improving transparency and accountability in Uganda’s revenue collection system.
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