The Uganda Revenue Authority has defended its decision to connect Tax Identification Numbers with National Identification Numbers, stating the move will make tax administration simpler and allow government agencies to share information more effectively. URA Commissioner for Domestic Taxes Dennis Kugonza Kateeba said the linkage would mean citizens no longer need to repeatedly submit physical documents when accessing government services.
Kateeba addressed concerns about the implications of the change, clarifying that linking a person's national identity number to the tax authority does not automatically make them a taxpayer. He explained that tax obligations instead depend on an individual's economic activities and the applicable tax laws.
At the same four-day Uganda Economic Forum, Kateeba encouraged business owners to use the Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing Solution, saying it can reduce accounting costs and improve financial record-keeping. He noted that proper financial records could help businesses secure loans by making it easier to show their financial position to lenders.
Separately, forum discussions highlighted challenges in Uganda's creative industry. Kenneth Muhangi, a partner at KTA Advocates, said many Ugandan artists lose income through lack of knowledge about intellectual property rights and royalty collection. UgaTunes Chief Executive Officer Shadrack Kisame encouraged creators to embrace digital platforms and professionalism to earn beyond live performances.