HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has honored 22 outstanding entities for their unwavering commitment to tax compliance, enabling the authority to surpass revenue targets for the last financial year.
The prestigious ceremony, held at their Nakawa headquarters in Kampala, saw some of Uganda’s most prominent companies and individuals receiving accolades for their substantial contributions to the nation’s coffers.
The Taxpayers Appreciation Awards, as highlighted by John Musinguzi Rujoki, URA Commissioner General, is a special annual event designed to pay tribute to and celebrate the exemplary efforts of the most diligent taxpayers throughout the year. The event was held under the theme “Celebrating the Economic Heroes of Uganda.”
Exel Awards: Coca-Cola Beverages Uganda Limited Takes the Crown
The Exel awards, recognized as the topmost accolades, saw Coca-Cola Beverages Uganda Limited emerge as the overall winner. URA highlighted the company’s exemplary tax compliance.
Runners-Up Shine: Chop Gaming Ltd and Bank of Baroda Uganda Ltd
Chop Gaming Ltd, trading BetPawa, claimed the 1st Runner-Up position while Bank of Baroda Uganda Ltd secured the 2nd Runner-Up position.
Vantage Awards Recognize Regional Excellence
Under the Vantage Awards category, entities contributing to specific regions were acknowledged for their outstanding efforts. Uzima Chicken Limited secured the Metro Non-Individual award, while Chetan Kumar Dhattani and Mildmay Uganda Institute of Health Sciences received the Metro Individual and Central Non-Individual awards, respectively.
Individual Taxpayers Lauded: From Darshan Mehta Mukesh to Khemis Yunus
Individual taxpayers were not left out of the spotlight, with Darshan Mehta Mukesh recognized as the topmost taxpayer in the Central Individual category. The list of exceptional individuals contributing significantly to their regions included Wilson Mayamba in the Eastern Individual category, Govind Pindoriya Khimji in the Southwestern Individual category, and Richard Canopwonya Lander in the Northern Individual category.
Special Awards and Recognition
The Commissioner General’s Award was bestowed upon Grant Thornton Uganda for exceptional performance. Rt. Rev. Assoc. Prof. Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa, the Ankole Diocesan Bishop, also received special recognition for his noteworthy contributions.
Fiscal Transparency
While presenting the awards, Hon. Robinah Nabbanja commended the recognized entities, referring to them as the “heroes of the land” for their pivotal role in Uganda’s pursuit of financial independence. She emphasized the government’s dedication to holding public officials accountable and ensuring transparency in tax collection.
“Whereas it’s a duty of the Government through URA to collect taxes, this duty gives the Government an obligation to account for the taxes and show results in a transparent way,” said Nabbanja.
She expressed confidence in Uganda’s ability to reduce donor and debt dependence, urging individual taxpayers to honor their tax obligations to increase self-reliance.
The awards ceremony not only highlighted the financial achievements of these entities but also underscored the importance of responsible fiscal practices in Uganda’s economic development. As the nation strives for greater autonomy, the URA’s recognition serves as a beacon for others to follow suit in contributing to the country’s fiscal success
