URA headquarters in Nakawa, Kampala.
Traders Abandon URA Meeting After Taxman Busts Demo Plot
Traders on Tuesday abandoned a meeting with the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) in Kampala after the taxman uncovered an alleged plan to disrupt the discussions, details have emerged.
The meeting, scheduled for Tuesday at URA Tower in Nakawa, was intended to address traders’ concerns about under-declaration of goods, enforcement of the Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing Solution (EFRIS), and the rising dollar.
According to information gathered by URA’s Intelligence teams, a section of traders, allegedly backed by individuals operating downtown, planned to heckle URA Commissioner General John Musinguzi and disrupt the meeting.
After learning of the alleged plot, URA asked participants to leave their phones with security at the counter. Many complied, but some people who had come posing as traders questioned the requirement and allegedly incited others to leave. The meeting was consequently abandoned.
Some traders later gathered at the URA compound to express their displeasure. Intelligence also pointed to possible involvement by some landlords, who are expected to use EFRIS when issuing receipts to tenants starting next month. Although URA has continued engaging landlords, some have remained reluctant to adopt the system.
URA speaks out
URA Assistant Commissioner for Public and Corporate Affairs Robert Kalumba said the meeting was intended to find common ground on issues raised by traders.
“We agreed that for security reasons that the phones will be left with security. Many came and left their phones with security. However, within some of them they started to bringing causing kavuyo (chaos) demanding why the phones are left with security. But also two, phones can sometimes be a distraction especially when you want the audience’s full attention on serious matters.”
Kalumba criticised those who disrupted the meeting, saying their actions prevented other traders from raising their concerns.
“It’s disappointing that some so-called traders frustrated the genuine traders to have Their issues addressed,” said Kalumba.
He said URA would continue engaging taxpayers, including traders, and would hold another meeting.
“We are going to have another meeting. These are strategic stakeholders. However, within them exists some bad elements with different intentions,” said Kalumba.
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