The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has opened a new service centre on Nakivubo Road in a move aimed at bringing tax education and support closer to Kampala’s traders, many of whom operate in one of the city’s busiest commercial zones.
Announcing the development, Kizito Charles Kasozi, Commissioner for Strategy and Risk Management, said the centre aligns with URA’s broader push to empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through knowledge. “This centre supports URA’s strategy to empower SMEs with knowledge and build a strong tax culture,” he noted.
Kasozi explained that enhanced taxpayer education is a core pillar of URA’s new five-year Corporate Strategy for FY2025/26–2029/30, which seeks to promote a taxpaying culture grounded in active citizen participation.
During the launch, Myra Ochwo, Assistant Commissioner for Tax Education, highlighted that the new centre represents a major strategic shift for URA—from an authoritative model to a more collaborative one. She encouraged traders to take advantage of the facility, stressing that tax payment remains a civic duty. “At URA, we want to cultivate an empowered taxpaying community that understands both their rights and obligations,” she said.
The centre will offer walk-in assistance to traders seeking help with tax registration, filing, customs processes, digital tools, and compliance inquiries. URA officials say the service hub is designed to be accessible and responsive, especially for SMEs that often struggle with information gaps.
John Walugembe, CEO of the Federation of Small and Medium Enterprises (FSME), commended URA for extending its services closer to business communities. He urged entrepreneurs to maintain accurate financial records, hire qualified professionals, and remain compliant. “Although URA is willing to train and support the traders, they must take responsibility for their compliance,” he said, adding that businesses which shun professionalism risk being pushed out of the formal sector.
Walugembe also emphasized the importance of working with accountants and tax lawyers to avoid costly mistakes and to ensure that SMEs remain competitive in the evolving business landscape.
URA has encouraged traders and entrepreneurs to visit the new Nakivubo Road centre for convenient, reliable tax services tailored to their business needs.
