Kasaija appoints Katongole to head URA board
Katongole’s appointment, which takes effect on April 1, 2026, will see him succeed banker Juma Kisaame, who has served since March 2020.
Rotary International director Emmanuel Katongole said he was delighted that the leadership of the country found him worthy of serving as URA board chairperson. (File photo)
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Finance minister Matia Kasaija has appointed businessman and Rotary International director Emmanuel Katongole as chairperson of the Board of the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), New Vision Online has learnt.
Katongole’s appointment, which takes effect on April 1, 2026, will see him succeed banker Juma Kisaame, who has served since March 2020.
Katongole, an entrepreneur widely known for co-founding pharmaceutical manufacturer Quality Chemical Industries Ltd, currently serves as the company’s executive chairperson.
He previously held the roles of chief executive and managing director as the firm expanded into one of Africa’s leading producers of antiretroviral and antimalarial medicines.
The appointment places Katongole at the helm of the board overseeing the agency responsible for collecting the bulk of Uganda’s domestic revenue, a critical pillar of the Government’s effort to fund infrastructure, public services and development programmes.
In the fiscal year 2026/27, the Government is projecting to collect shillings 40 trillion as domestic revenues, up from 37.2 trillion expected in the fiscal year 2025/26. The projected revenue increment is mainly linked to highly optimistic economic growth projections of over 7% and improvement in administrative tax revenue collection measures.
When contacted, Katongole said he was delighted that the leadership of the country found him worthy of serving as URA board chairperson.
“I thank all those who were involved in this selection, and I look forward to sharing my experience of the last 40 years of entrepreneurship, leadership and service above self to the betterment of our country,” he remarked.
Who is Katongole?
Katongole has built a long career in corporate leadership and governance. His earlier roles include general manager and assistant general manager at Sembule Electronics Ltd, and a sales officer position at Sembule Steel Mills Ltd shortly after graduating from university.
He holds a master’s degree in economic policy and planning and a bachelor’s degree in statistics, both from Makerere University.
Katongole is also a prominent figure on several boards and institutions in Uganda and abroad. He currently serves as chancellor of Nkumba University and chairperson of the Presidential CEO Forum board.
He previously chaired the board of the Uganda National Oil Company between 2015 and 2024. The period coincided with major developments in Uganda’s emerging oil sector.
In 2020, he was appointed by President Yoweri Museveni to serve as the chairman Uganda National Response Fund to Covid-19, where he helped raise funds for various interventions.
His work in business and philanthropy has earned international recognition. In 2021, he was appointed a papal knight by Pope Francis in recognition of his humanitarian service.
Katongole has also been active in global civic initiatives through Rotary International, where he has held several leadership roles. He was recently elected the Rotary International director for Zones 21 and 22, representing Africa, the Middle East and Eastern Europe, for the 2026 to 2028 term.
The incoming URA board chair has frequently addressed academic and policy audiences around the world, including at institutions such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Columbia University and London Business School, where he has spoken on entrepreneurship, development and leadership in frontier markets.
His appointment comes as the tax authority continues to push for stronger domestic revenue mobilisation. Local revenue mobilisation is a priority for the government as it seeks to narrow budget deficits and reduce reliance on external borrowing. Rotarians have celebrated his appointment.
“A well-deserved recognition of your public contribution, integrity and commitment to service both in Rotary and national development. We are sure you will serve in this new appointment with the same dedication that personifies your character, “commented Dr Peter K Kimbowa of the Rotary Club of Muyenga.
Past Rotary District Governor Kenneth Mugisha stated, “both government and taxpayers will benefit from your knowledge and experience in business.”
Alex Mugume, the President of Rotary Club of Muyenga said, “What a well-deserved recognition of your integrity.”