CJ orders tax appeals tribunal to expedite cases

PIC: Chief Justice Bart Katureeba (right) congratulating the chairperson of the tax appeals tribunal Asa Mugenyi during the swearing-in ceremony of the new members of the tribunal at High Court in Kampala on 23 February 2018. (Credit: Godiver Asege) 

JUSTICE

KAMPALA - The Chief Justice, Bart Katureebe has told the newly appointed tax appeals tribunal to expedite tax cases to boost the economy.

"We do not expect case backlog because it kills businesses and the economy of the country," he said.

Katureebe noted that an increased disposal of the tax cases enables the tax collecting body to collect taxes in time.

"I have heard that the tribunal disposed of 12 cases last year, which is small compared to the number of tax cases filed in the country, so double your efforts and save the country the loss," he said.

The Chief Justice made the remarks at the swearing-in ceremony of the new tax appeals tribunal members at the High Court in Kampala on recently.

Katureebe also tasked the members with protecting the integrity of the tribunal, saying that justice should be delivered without fear and favour.

"Tax appeals tribunal has suffered accusations of integrity so you must preserve the image of the judicially," he said, adding that the integrity of the judiciary should be preserved.

The tribunal was set up by an Act of Parliament as a specialised court to provide the taxpayer with easily accessible, efficient and independent arbitration in tax disputes with Uganda Revenue Authority.

This is part of government efforts to provide a conducive environment to doing business in Uganda so that investors can develop confidence in the economy.

The tax appeals tribunal, therefore, enhances taxpayer compliance and revenue collection in the long run.

The five-man team will be led by Dr Asa Mugenyi. Other four members include George Mugerwa, Steven Akabwai, Siraje Ali and Christine Nalubega.

Mugenyi, who has been reappointed, pledged to handle all the cases expeditiously once the tribunal budget has been improved.

"Due to shortfalls in the budget, we can only handle 12 cases a year, but if the budget is doubled from sh1b; there will be more cases disposed of," he said.