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KAMPALA - The Principal Judge Dr. Flavian Zeija has asked judges to keep up with the changes and development in taxation laws and policies because of the evolving amendments in Uganda’s tax laws.

“It is imperative that all stakeholders are continuously trained and equipped with information and knowledge on emerging trends in tax and customs management,” he said.

Zeija's advice was contained in a message read for him by Justice Nkonge Rugadya who represented him at the 12th Annual Taxation Training of Judges of the High Court (Commercial Division) and members of the Tax Appeals Tribunal.

The Judicial Training Institute (JTI) in conjunction with the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) on Thursday 24, 2024 commenced a two-day residential training.

The training was held under the theme; "The Unique Aspects and Emerging Trends in Domestic Taxes and Customs Management; the case of Uganda" at Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa, Kigo.

The Principal Judge emphasized the need for Judicial Officers and other stakeholders to get regular training.

He commended the continuous partnership with URA noting that the training was important as it creates an opportunity for experts to share information, experiences, and learning points with stakeholders on the current developments and challenges in tax law, policy, and administration.

He told participants that the exercise of judicial power in taxation matters had to be exercised with caution, prudence, discretion, and circumspection taking into consideration the balance of convenience, the public interest, and a host of other considerations.

The Commissioner General URA, John Musinguzi said the theme had been carefully tailored and resonates with URA’s vision of a transformational revenue service for Uganda’s economic independence.

“This economic independence can only be achieved through solidifying our policies, laws, and administration of tax,” he said.

“…We hope that this training will unveil the opportunities that we can harness in our journey to Uganda’s economic independence. At the same time, let us use this engagement to recognize the hurdles that are to be encountered along the way and to find solutions for them," added.

Participants considered topics such as Strengthening transparency in tax policy and tax administration, the Unique aspects in adjudication of tax disputes; a perspective from the Bench by Justice Steven Mubiru (Head Commercial Division), Taxation of the Rental Sector in Uganda by Nabicu Proscovia (Mananger Rental) and insights into Digital Tax Stamps and Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing solutions by the supervisor Domestic taxes, Manager Domestic taxes and the Officer Domestic Taxes Department.

In attendance; the Executive Director Judicial Training Institute, Lady Justice Damalie N Lwanga, select participants from Uganda Law Society (ULS), Uganda Bankers Association, Price Waterhouse Cooper (PWC), and Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda(iCPAU).

HW Mulalira Faisal Umar, Acting Deputy Registrar JTI, and Mr Ibrahim Bbossa, Assistant Commissioner Public and Corporate Affairs are moderating the training.