In an effort to address corruption within Uganda’s tax collection system, President Yoweri Museveni has ordered a special investigation into Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) staff accused of facilitating tax evasion at Entebbe International Airport.
This directive comes in the wake of an operation last week that led to the arrest of 16 individuals, including three URA officials, for their alleged involvement in these activities.
The operation, conducted on August 15, revealed significant evidence of misconduct, resulting in the apprehension of key suspects.
The investigation team, led by Susanne Kasingye, the special presidential assistant on Police affairs, is tasked with thoroughly examining the claims of tax evasion linked to URA personnel.
According to sources close to the investigation, the operation targeted URA staff stationed at critical points such as scanning machines and customs enforcement.
These officials are accused of allowing undeclared goods to pass through customs without paying the required taxes, leading to substantial revenue losses for the government.
The three URA officials identified as central figures in the tax evasion scheme are Phiona Nasasira, Joel Basenza, and Sheila Kamatsiko.
They were detained at Entebbe Aviation Police for interrogation and later released on bond. In addition to these officials, 13 businessmen were also arrested and charged with possession of uncustomed goods.
The businessmen, including Douglas Tayari, Edward Sserwanja, and Faridah Nabukenya, were brought before the Entebbe Chief Magistrates’ Court and remanded until September 2.
They face charges under the East Africa Community Customs Management Act of 2004. The confiscated goods ranged from electronic devices to cosmetics, revealing the extent of the smuggling operations.
Susanne Kasingye confirmed the President’s directive and noted the significant findings from the operation.
“A total of 16 were picked up, and so far, 13 businessmen have been arraigned in court. The operation was aimed at confirming the tax evasion allegations, and the findings so far have been significant,” she stated.
Details from the charge sheets highlight the types of goods involved in the scheme. For instance, Muwanguzi was found in possession of various motor vehicle and motorcycle parts sourced from countries like China, India, and Japan.
Another charge sheet details how Tayari was caught with numerous electronic devices, medical equipment, and cosmetic products.
Preliminary police investigations estimate that the government lost UGX 139 million in taxes due to these activities.
This loss is seen as part of a larger issue within the URA, where corruption and inefficiencies have long hampered effective revenue collection.
These recent arrests are part of a broader crackdown on corruption within the URA, an agency that has faced numerous allegations of fraudulent practices.
Earlier this year, URA official Criss Atuhaire was charged with abuse of office and causing financial losses of UGX 1.3 billion.
He was accused of manipulating tax ledgers to reduce the tax liabilities of certain businesses without proper justification.
A whistleblower last year claimed that the government had lost over UGX 1 trillion due to corruption within the URA.
These allegations, currently under investigation by the Inspector General of Government, include claims of inflated payrolls, ghost employees, and uncollected taxes from large corporations.
This latest crackdown follows the arrest of over 60 employees at Entebbe Airport last year. These individuals were linked to a variety of offenses, including extortion and aiding trafficking.
Some were dismissed after being caught stealing from passengers’ bags. These incidents came to light following a social media outcry, where numerous individuals shared their experiences of corruption at the airport.
The government’s ongoing efforts to clean up the URA and enforce discipline at Entebbe Airport reflect a broader commitment to improving transparency and accountability in Uganda’s revenue collection system.
