Coca Cola Beverages Uganda Limited Named Best Tax Payer



Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has named soft drinks manufacturer Coca Cola Beverages Uganda Limited the top taxpayer in the country.

During the Taxpayers Appreciation Awards 2023, that were carried out under the theme ‘Celebrating the Economic Heroes of Uganda’, URA also announced Chop Gaming Limited and Bank of Baroda Uganda Limited as the other top taxpayers in Uganda.

Uganda’s Prime Minister Robina Nabbanja who was the Chief Guest said it is incumbent on every Ugandan and all those living, working and doing business in Uganda to comply with tax laws and paying taxes due on time.

“This will end donor dependence and increase self-sustenance,” said Nabbanja.

Nabbanja while quoting The Holy Bible, in the book of Romans chapter 13 and verses 6 to 7, Saint Paul said, “That is also why you pay taxes, because the authorities are working for God when they fulfil their duties. Pay then what you owe them; pay your taxes and Government fees to those who collect them, and show respect and honour to those in authority,” emphasizing the need to pay taxes.

John Musinguzi the Uganda Revenue Authority Commissioner General said Taxpayers are the unsung economic heroes of Uganda, contributing to the foundation upon which Uganda’s shared aspirations are built.

He said their willingness to contribute their hard-earned income is not merely a legal obligation but a testament to their dedication to the well-being of Uganda. The funds collected through taxation he added serve as the foundation of Uganda’s public services.

“Every tax payment is a demonstration of citizenship, a tangible expression of your belief in the importance of a functioning society.

“It is through your collective contributions that we are able to bridge gaps, address challenges, and strive toward a future that is brighter and more equitable for everyone,” said Musinguzi.



In addition to funding essential services, Musinguzi said tax payments contribute to the stability and growth of the local economy. He said they provide the resources necessary for job creation, innovation, and the development of a thriving business environment.

“Your commitment to financial responsibility not only benefits the community today but also lays the groundwork for a sustainable and prosperous future,” he stressed.

Musinguzi said paying taxes is not always an easy task while acknowledging the sacrifices many taxpayers make to fulfil the tax paying responsibility.

“Today, we host an event in which URA is awarding distinguished taxpayers who have honoured their civic duty as a token of our appreciation for your commitment to walk the journey of transforming our economy.

“Hon. Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Matia Kasaija, while launching the URA digital strategy last month, tasked us to raise the tax to GDP from the current 14% to 20% in the next four years.

“Once we achieve this milestone, we should be able to fund our national budget without relying on external donors.

“Developed countries with a high tax-to-GDP ably fund their national budgets without borrowing.

“For instance, Belgium has 48.0 %, Austria 45.6 %, Finland 43.6 %, Greece 43.1 % and Italy 42.9 %. The journey of economic transformation is not a one man’s job but for us all to work together to deliver our country to economic independence,” said Musinguzi.

Uganda’s Parliament amended the Tax Procedures Code Act and introduced a six-month waiver of penalty and interest to taxpayers who pay their principal tax as of 30th June 2023. This provision that commenced on 1st July 2023 will end on 31st December 2023.

Musinguzi called upon all taxpayers with outstanding taxes to take advantage of the grace period and pay their outstanding principal tax, which will automatically grant them a waiver of accumulated penalties and interest.

In a bid to support the taxpayers, Musinguzi said they unveiled a new web portal that is user-friendly and consists of new features, including new web forms, ledgers, and automated functions like the deemed VAT applications.

“All this has been done to make it easy for taxpayers to fulfil their tax obligations,” he stressed.

He said URA has introduced the USSD Code *285# to support taxpayers in assessing and paying taxes and non-tax revenue, and it can be used by those with basic and advanced phones.

“All these initiatives aim to promote and support you in fostering tax compliance and building up tax morale for others as well.

“It is our hope that in digitalising the URA services, we can enable our taxpayers all over Uganda to get on board and pay their taxes without the invasive enforcement that is sometimes done in a bid to mobilise revenue.”

BY PAUL TENTENA

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