The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has engaged manufacturers on major tax reforms, digital systems and compliance requirements as the tax body works to achieve its UGX 46.6 trillion revenue target for the 2026/27 financial year.The stakeholder engagement was addressed by Richard Kariisa, Commissioner Corporate Services at URA, on behalf of Commissioner General John R. Musinguzi. Kariisa thanked the manufacturers for attending the meeting and recognised their contribution to Uganda’s development through tax compliance.He said the increased revenue target will require close cooperation between URA and the business community.
According to Kariisa, regular meetings with taxpayers are important because they allow URA to explain tax obligations, listen to concerns and provide guidance before disagreements develop into disputes.One of the key issues discussed was the ongoing transition from the Tax Identification Number (TIN) to other identification numbers. Individuals are being moved from TIN to the National Identification Number (NIN), while companies will transition from TIN to the Registration Business Number (RBN) and NGOs and other non-profit organisations to the Entity Business Number (EBN).Simon Busulwa from URA’s Tax Registration Maintenance team explained that the transition is intended to improve taxpayer identification and give government better information about people earning income. He said it will also help address challenges such as duplicated taxpayer records, fragmented information, weak identification and inefficiencies in service delivery.The manufacturers were also taken through developments in the Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing Solution (EFRIS). Yosia Kyesimba, a Supervisor in Compliance Management at URA, explained what has changed under EFRIS, who is affected and the support available to businesses as they adjust to the requirements.EFRIS was introduced in 2021, initially targeting VAT-registered taxpayers. The system helps businesses record and track transactions while connecting sellers, buyers and URA. It also supports the issuance of electronic invoices and receipts, stock management, simplified returns and better record keeping.
URA explained that EFRIS can operate both online and offline, helping businesses continue with their operations during power or internet connectivity challenges. The authority said it continues to improve the system to make tax administration more efficient, transparent and fair.The meeting also addressed Digital Tax Stamps (DTS). URA informed businesses that costs associated with DTS can be deductible for tax purposes, provided the required records are properly maintained.Another major presentation focused on the eTax2 project. Charlotte Molly Nampijja, the Business Process Re-engineering Lead, said implementation of the project began in February 2026. The project seeks to create a modern, client-centred digital tax administration platform that is simple, reliable, intelligent, inclusive, resilient and trusted.Nampijja said eTax2 will improve the taxpayer experience by reducing the number of steps required to complete transactions and making the system easier to navigate. It will also support the adoption of NIN and BRN and allow integration with business accounting, payroll and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.The new system is expected to be fully web-based, reducing reliance on manual applications and Microsoft Excel forms. URA says the reforms are intended to make tax services easier and more efficient for both taxpayers and the authority.The manufacturers were also briefed on environmental levies and import-related measures by Annet Ogwapus, Supervisor Remissions and Exemptions at URA. She explained that the environmental levy is aligned with the Buy Uganda, Build Uganda (BUBU) policy and supports efforts to strengthen local manufacturing.Ogwapus also highlighted import declaration fees affecting products such as vaccines, medicines, medical supplies, pesticides, rodenticides, acaricides and insecticides. She said the measures are expected to reduce landed import costs and ease cash-flow pressures for businesses dealing in medical and agricultural products.The engagement brought together manufacturers from companies including Kansai Plascon, Mukwano Industries, Uganda Breweries Limited, Ntake Bakery, Green Resources Limited, Movit, Winiefred Fashion Designers, Afros and Mos, among others.
Kariisa also encouraged taxpayers facing disputes with URA to consider the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism. He said the process can help parties resolve disagreements amicably while saving the time and costs associated with litigation.In his closing remarks, Robert Kalumba, Acting Commissioner, Executive Office Operations at URA, said the partnership between URA and the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) had continued to grow. He revealed that the two organisations held nine engagements in five regions during the 2025/26 financial year.Kalumba said the meeting was the first engagement of the 2026/27 financial year and thanked UMA for mobilising manufacturers.
He said the high attendance showed that businesses are interested in understanding tax reforms and engaging with URA on challenges affecting their operations.He assured manufacturers across the country that URA remains ready to support them and called for continued cooperation between the tax authority and the private sector. The engagement ended with a commitment to strengthen dialogue, improve service delivery and work together to support Uganda’s economic growth.
