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Finance ministry permanent secretary Ramathan Ggoobi says they are going to be harsh on those trying to evade taxes.

“They are the ones who make us increase taxes in areas we shouldn't and borrow money we shouldn't be borrowing,” he said on Thursday, March 28, 2024.

Ggoobi, who is also Secretary to the Treasury, made the remarks during a morning talk-show on a local TV station in Kampala.

“We need to cater for one thing: Fairness in taxation. Let every Ugandan pay the little they are supposed to. We shall get more money than actually squeezing a few people who are already compliant,” he added.

In May last year, Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) commissioner general John Musinguzi said their register had about 3.2 million taxpayers.

“Whereas we could be having nine million potential taxpayers, our register now has about 3.2 million people, but it’s an increase from about 1.5 million taxpayers that we had two years ago,” he said.

Musinguzi said he looks forward to the time when Uganda’s budget will be fully supported by the taxes collected internally.

He has been saying when taxpayers perform their civic duty each year, they help fund critical aspects of Uganda’s social amenities ranging from schools, roads, hospitals and its military.

“Therefore, it is incumbent upon all of us to be compliant with our tax obligations for this to happen. Those of you that are still lagging behind on this important calling, as the national fundraiser, we pledge our availability, support and commitment to make available the information, services and technical support that you need to get on board,” he once said.