URA to Hire 1,269 New Staff to Boost Tax Collection

The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) is set to recruit 1,260 new staff members to enhance tax collection efforts, particularly targeting high-net-worth individuals in industries such as construction, transport, and professionals.

This move aims to increase revenue collections and reduce dependence on external support.

"We are also stepping up efforts to eradicate corruption in revenue collection. Furthermore, we are recruiting 1,260 staff to boost our numbers and reach more taxpayers, especially the high-net-worth individuals in businesses like construction and transport and professionals," said Minister of State for Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, Henry Musasizi.

The URA has also presented several bills to support tax collection, including

Income Tax Amendment Bill No.2 2025. Aims to amend income tax laws.

Excise duty Amendment Bill No.2, 2025. Seeks to modify excise duty laws.

Value Added Tax Amendment Bill 2025. Proposes changes to value-added tax laws

Tax Procedures Court Amendment Bill 2025. Aims to amend tax procedures

Stamp Duty Amendment Bill 2025. Seeks to modify stamp duty laws

Hides and Skins Export Duty Amendment Bill 2025. Proposes changes to export duty laws.

External Trade Amendment Bill 2025. Aims to amend external trade laws

The URA is expected to collect taxes worth shs31.574 trillion to finance the 2024/25 national budget, an increase of shs 1.9 trillion from the current target.

The government's budget for the 2025/26 financial year has been reduced to Shs 57.441 trillion, with a focus on prioritizing economic fundamentals such as peace and security, roads, railways, and electricity.