URA Awards the best tax payers of the year

 

Winners pause for a photo with prime minister Nabbanja

The Uganda revenue authority on 23rd November, 2023 appreciated various Taxpayers by awarding them under the theme “celebrating the Economic Heroes of Uganda.”

During the awarding ceremony, the commissioner General of the Authority John Rujoki Musinguzi noted that there is a deep sense of gratitude and admiration for each and every taxpayer attending the ceremony but not just about numbers and financial transactions.

“It’s about the collective commitment to building a better society. I am honored to express our heartfelt appreciation to all the individuals and businesses who have fulfilled their civic duty by paying taxes,” Musinguzi stated.

He says taxpayers are the unsung economic heroes of the country, contributing to the foundation upon which shared aspirations are built. He adds that taxpayers’ willingness to contribute their hard-earned income is not merely a legal obligation but a testament to their dedication to the well-being of the nation.

“The funds collected through taxation serve as the foundation of our public services, Rujoki said.

He further disclosed that every tax payment is a demonstration of citizenship, a tangible expression of their belief in the importance of a functioning society.

“It is through your collective contributions that we are able to bridge gaps, address challenges, and strive towards a future that is brighter and more equitable for everyone.” Said Musinguzi

Musinguzi also revealed that in addition to funding essential services, taxpayers’ payments contribute to the stability and growth of the local economy, they provide the resources necessary for job creation, innovation, and the development of a thriving business environment.

“Your commitment to financial responsibility not only benefits the community today but also lays the groundwork for a sustainable and prosperous future, we understand that paying taxes is not always an easy task, and we acknowledge the sacrifices many of you make to fulfill this responsibility. Your dedication does not go unnoticed, Musinguzi revealed.

“The journey of economic transformation is not a one man’s job but for us all to work together to deliver our country to economic independence, ” Musinguzi added

Meanwhile the prime minister of Uganda Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja thanked the Management and Staff of Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), who conceived this idea of not only appreciating the Taxpayers through mere words but also choosing to take action through a series of events marking the taxpayer appreciation season.

She added that she is well informed that a number of activities have taken place over a month, including the annual Thanksgiving event, the launch of the URA digital transformation journey, the Authorized economic operator 10-year anniversary, the launch of the URA regional office in Masaka and the URA Service Excellence week among others which all aim to ensure effective service delivery and raise revenue.

She further stressed that whereas it is the duty of the government (through URA) to collect taxes, this duty gives the Government an obligation to account for its activities, accept responsibility for them, and show the results in a transparent way.

“The taxpayer should know how their money is being used, and indeed, they have a right to demand services from the Government. This is a key element of Governance, Accountability and Service Delivery to the public. I want to assure you that the Government is committed to supporting you by ensuring that the Revenue collected is properly utilized, “Nabbanja added.

In the same vein, Nabbanja congratulated the Taxpayer Appreciation 2023 awardees for their vigilance in ensuring that they pay their taxes in the right amounts and on time in an effective manner, contributing to the continuous economic growth and development of this country.

“Your contribution is much appreciated, and you are an inspiration to others. You are the Men and Women Building Uganda. Your tax compliance provides a beacon of hope to those beginning businesses and also our young ones, whom we anticipate to emulate from you,”Nabbanja said.

LIST OF AWARDEES – TPAD 2023

SN Category Selected taxpayer

A Excel Award

i) Winner Coca-Cola Beverages Uganda Limited

ii) 1st Runner Up Chop Gaming Ltd

iii) 2nd Runner Up Bank of Baroda Uganda Ltd

B Vantage Award

i) Metro Non-Individual Uzima Chicken Limited

ii) Metro Individual Mr. Chetan Kumar Dhattani

iii) Central Non-Individual Mildmay Uganda Institute of Health Sciences

iv) Central Individual Mr. Darshan Mehta Mukesh

v) Eastern Non-Individual Kach-Ap-Global Forwarders Ltd

vi) Eastern Individual Mr. Wilson Mayamba

vii) Northeastern Non-Individual GiveDirectly

viii) Northeastern Individual Mr. Ogera Ochabal Wilberd

ix) Midwestern Non-Individual Erianah Glass Matt & Hardware – SMC Limited

x) Midwestern Individual Mr. Govind Pindoriya Khimji

xi) Southwestern Non-Individual Church of Uganda Kisiizi Hospital

xii) Southwestern Individual Mr. Bernard Mugarura

xiii) Northern Non-Individual Restore Leadership High School Limited

xiv) Northern Individual Mr. Richard Canopwonya Lander

xv) West Nile Non-Individual Noble Unit (U) Limited

xvi) West Nile Individual Mr. Khemis Yunus

xvii) MTO Non-Individual Education Development Center Inc.

D Commissioner General’s Award

i) CG’s Award Grant Thornton Uganda

ii) CG’s Award Rt. Rev. Assoc. Prof. Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa – Ankole Diocese.

Story by: derrick kanalo