Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has arrested a senior staff member over allegations of soliciting and receiving a USD 60,000 bribe from a taxpayer in an attempt to interfere with an ongoing tax audit.The suspect, identified as Ssozi Geoffrey, the Manager of External Operations in the Customs Department, was reportedly arrested last Thursday at a renowned restaurant in Kampala, where he was allegedly caught receiving the money from a taxpayer.
URA Assistant Commissioner for Public and Corporate Affairs, Robert Kalumba, confirmed the arrest, saying the suspect allegedly approached a taxpayer whose company was undergoing an audit and offered to help stop or alter the process in exchange for money.Kalumba said the suspect was allegedly working with other individuals, including a clearing agent, to convince the taxpayer that they could influence the audit and help the company avoid the tax assessment.“There was an audit that was being done and this team got in touch with the taxpayer, with the help of the clearing agent, and tried to convince them that they can help the taxpayer cut out that audit,” Kalumba said.
According to Kalumba, the case came to light after URA received information from a whistleblower. The authority acted on the information and began investigations into the alleged corruption scheme.Investigators reportedly discovered that the suspect had initially demanded USD 100,000 from the taxpayer. The amount was later negotiated down to USD 60,000, which the suspect allegedly agreed to receive.The subsequent operation led to the arrest of the URA official and the recovery of the money, which URA says will be presented in court as an exhibit.The arrest is part of renewed efforts by URA to fight corruption within the institution and prevent revenue losses caused by corrupt practices. Commissioner General John R. Musinguzi has repeatedly warned against corruption and called for stronger action against individuals involved in such activities.
Musinguzi said URA maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and urged members of the public to report officials who demand bribes or attempt to interfere with tax processes.“The fight against corruption is intensifying in URA and we continue to uphold a zero-tolerance policy to it,” Musinguzi said.Kalumba further revealed that the clearing agent allegedly linked to the scheme was also arrested and is assisting investigators as they work to establish the involvement of other people.URA’s legal team is now preparing the necessary documents for the case, while investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the alleged bribery attempt.The authority has urged taxpayers and members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspected corruption. URA says whistleblowers play an important role in helping the institution identify corruption and close loopholes that may lead to revenue leakage.Members of the public with information about corruption involving URA staff or agents can report.
