Women across Uganda continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s economy, balancing
their responsibilities at home and in business.
This dual contribution is not only recognized in the National Women’s Anthem, which calls mothers
and daughters to rise and serve the nation, but also increasingly acknowledged by public institutions
like the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).
In early March 2025, URA held its Annual Women’s Conferences across Arua, Mbale, and Mbarara
cities, bringing together women entrepreneurs from all sectors to foster a deeper understanding of
tax compliance and create new business networks.
Grassroots Engagement, City by City
The conference was held in Arua at Tropical Suites, where participants embraced both learning and
networking.
Women introduced themselves to each other upon arrival, eagerly sharing their business interests
and exploring collaboration opportunities.
Clare Sanyu, URA’s Stakeholder Relations Supervisor for the Northern Region, used the platform to
demystify the value of paying taxes. She urged participants to make the most of URA programs
aimed at boosting small businesses.
“These spaces are not only for men, they are for all business people. Take all the opportunities
provided even as groups and associations so that you improve your trade,” she said.
Sanyu also encouraged women to register their businesses and obtain Tax Identification Numbers
(TINs).
Beyond Compliance: Building a Culture of Record-Keeping and Growth
Representing the Commissioner General, Allen Nassanga, Acting Commissioner for Risk and Strategy,
reminded women that formalizing their businesses is crucial for success.
“Register your businesses and get a TIN, keep proper records, and ensure timely return filing and tax
payment,” she advised.
Nassanga continued and listed the major obstacles to growth: poor planning, lack of records, and
fear of URA.
Gratitude and Constructive Feedback in Mbarara
At Lake View Resort in Mbarara, women business owners expressed appreciation to URA for
engaging directly with them.
The conference opened space for feedback on existing systems like the Electronic Fiscal Receipting
and Invoicing System (EFRIS), which some said had improved their operations, though concerns
remained about inconsistent registration among competitors.
Acting Assistant Commissioner of Public and Corporate Affairs, Robert Kalumba, acknowledged the
role of women in Uganda’s economy.
“URA is celebrating the role of women in revenue mobilization, and we remain committed to
supporting their success,” he said.
Dr. Alice Tumwesigye, Principal at Uganda Christian University’s Bishop Barham College, praised
URA’s tax efforts and linked improved infrastructure, like faster travel between Kabale and Mbarara,
to tax-funded development.
She also recommended reviewing the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax to better support salaried workers.
Opening the Door to Policy and Legal Support
In response to questions on compliance and assessments, Gloria Twinomugisha Akatuhurira, Acting
Manager of Litigation at URA, emphasized the authority’s role in collecting taxes fairly and equitably.
“It is essential for businesses across the country to pay their fair share of taxes,” she noted,
reiterating URA’s commitment to transparency.
Scaling Up Business Literacy in Mbale
At Wash and Wills Hotel in Mbale, the event began slowly but soon filled with enthusiastic
participants. Panel discussions focused on business formalization, trade facilitation, and taxpayer
rights.
Sarah Chelangat, URA’s Commissioner for Domestic Taxes, urged women to embrace formality as a
growth strategy.
“You cannot grow a business without paying tax, accurate record-keeping is essential to help you
track expenses, sales, and profitability,” she emphasized.
Dorothy Chelangat, Head of Security in Mbale, highlighted the symbolic importance of the day.
“We are the proud mothers of the nation, and without us, the nation can’t stand. It is encouraging to
see powerful women in business recognized as major taxpayers,” she said.
Commitment to Inclusion
Throughout all three conferences, URA reinforced its broader agenda making tax services more
inclusive and accessible not just for women, but also for persons with disabilities and marginalized
business owners.
By actively engaging women through these conferences, URA is not only promoting tax compliance
but also building trust, transparency, and economic resilience across Uganda’s grassroots business
communities.