The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has defended the linkage of Tax Identification Numbers (TINs) to National Identification Numbers (NINs), assuring Ugandans that the initiative is intended to simplify tax administration and improve government service delivery rather than automatically turn every citizen into a taxpayer. The clarification came as the seventh edition of the Uganda Economic Forum concluded after four days of discussions on improving household incomes, promoting business growth and creating employment opportunities.
URA Commissioner for Domestic Taxes Dennis Kugonza Kateeba explained that linking TINs to NINs would enable government agencies to share relevant information more efficiently, reducing the need for citizens to repeatedly present physical documents when accessing public services. He said the initiative would strengthen coordination among government institutions and make it easier for citizens to interact with different government departments.
Kateeba emphasised that having a National Identification Number linked to URA does not automatically create a tax obligation. He explained that an individual’s responsibility to pay taxes depends on their economic activities and the provisions of the applicable tax laws. His remarks were intended to address concerns among members of the public about the implications of integrating personal identification information into the tax administration system.The URA commissioner also encouraged business owners to embrace the Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing Solution (EFRIS), describing it as an important tool for improving financial management and tax compliance.
He noted that maintaining proper financial records could help businesses reduce accounting costs, monitor their operations more effectively and provide reliable information when applying for loans from financial institutions.Beyond taxation, discussions at the forum examined challenges affecting Uganda’s creative industry, with experts calling on musicians, artists and other content creators to understand their intellectual property rights and how they can earn from their work. Kenneth Muhangi, a partner at KTA Advocates, observed that many creatives lose potential income because they lack sufficient knowledge of intellectual property rights, royalty collection systems and the processes through which payments are distributed.Muhangi urged artists to recognise the commercial value of their creations and understand how to protect their intellectual property.
UgaTunes Chief Executive Officer Shadrack Kisame similarly called for greater professionalism within the creative industry, encouraging artists to take advantage of digital platforms to generate income beyond live performances. He noted that online platforms could provide opportunities for creators to continue earning from their work even when they were not performing on stage.The four-day seventh Uganda Economic Forum was held under the theme of putting money into people’s pockets, bringing together stakeholders to explore practical ways of translating Uganda’s economic opportunities into improved livelihoods.
Discussions covered several sectors, including tourism, mineral development and preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with participants examining how these areas could stimulate investment, create jobs and support the growth of local businesses.As the forum closed, stakeholders emphasised the importance of embracing technology, strengthening business practices and making better use of Uganda’s economic potential. The discussions highlighted the need for government institutions, businesses and individuals to work together to ensure that economic growth delivers tangible benefits to ordinary Ugandans through increased incomes, employment opportunities and a more supportive business environment.
