URA Headquarters in Nakawa. Right is URA CG John R. Musinguzi.
With less than 30 days to the close of the 2025/2026 financial year, the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has urged taxpayers to clear outstanding obligations, file pending returns, and take advantage of ongoing tax waivers before the June 30 deadline. URA Commissioner General John Rujoki Musinguzi said in a weekend statement that the authority’s annual revenue target of Shs36.7 trillion is within reach, provided taxpayers settle their dues.
“We are confident that with the help of every taxpaying citizen, this target is possible. Compliance is a shared responsibility. When businesses and individuals pay on time, we can fund the services that drive Uganda’s growth,” Mr Musinguzi said, noting that many taxpayers have met their obligations despite economic pressures.
He explained that during the year, URA relied heavily on technology and improved service delivery, rather than enforcement alone, to make compliance easier—a shift expected to continue into the next financial year. “Through our Digital Strategy, we hope to serve our clients better and faster. This technology will transform the entire tax administration by offering instant services, reducing queues and backlog. Our goal is to make it simple for you to do the right thing,” he said.
Mr Musinguzi also appealed to taxpayers to file all outstanding returns within the prescribed deadlines, stressing that timely filing reduces penalties and signals good faith. “Filing is the first step. It keeps you compliant and opens the door for us to work with you on manageable payment arrangements. Waiting only increases penalties,” he added.
Taxpayers with arrears still have a window of relief, with URA currently waiving penalties and interest for those who voluntarily disclose and settle principal tax liabilities. The waiver covers key tax heads such as Value Added Tax, Pay As You Earn, and income tax, but only applies to payments made on or before June 30, 2026. After that, standard penalties and interest will apply in full.
“Do not wait for the last minute to make payments; systems get congested, banks take time to process payments, and late action attracts penalties. Act now and keep your business running without interruption,” Mr Musinguzi warned.
URA says it is prioritising mediation, stakeholder engagement, and tax education over heavy-handed enforcement to recover revenue. At the same time, it is intensifying surveillance at border points to curb smuggling, which undermines the tax base and threatens the country’s revenue mobilisation efforts.
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