URA headquarters at Nakawa, in Kampala
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has urged all eligible taxpayers to file and pay their monthly tax obligations before the upcoming Presidential and Parliamentary elections scheduled for 15th January 2026.
The tax man is requesting timely submission of returns for Value Added Tax (VAT), Pay As You Earn (PAYE), Withholding Tax (WHT), Local Excise Duty (LED), and Gaming and Pool Betting Tax (GPBT), with payments due by 12th January 2026.
In a public notice, URA highlighted that timely compliance will help taxpayers avoid penalties and interest that can arise from late filing. The authority also reassured the public that its Service Centers will remain operational to provide support during this period.
Election periods in Uganda are often associated with uncertainty that can temporarily disrupt business operations. Markets slow down, supply chains can be affected, and some enterprises scale back activities as staff focus on political events or security measures increase. For many businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises, these disruptions can create cash flow challenges and operational delays.
By urging taxpayers to complete their filings early, URA seeks to reduce the potential impact of election-related slowdowns on both revenue collection and business compliance. “We encourage all taxpayers to settle their monthly obligations promptly to avoid unnecessary penalties and ensure continuity of business operations during the election period,” URA stated.
Experts note that maintaining tax compliance during times of uncertainty is crucial not only for businesses but also for sustaining government services and development initiatives. Early payment of taxes helps prevent administrative bottlenecks and supports smoother operations in both the public and private sectors.
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