Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) and the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) have agreed to renew their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen collaboration and push for tax-related reforms to support the growth of the industry.

The agreement was made during high level engagement held recently between the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) Board of Directors and Advisory Council and the Commissioner General of the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and his team. Held at the UMA Boardroom on Thursday, 6th April 2023, the dialogue focused on strategic and operational matters crucial to sustainability of business operations in Uganda.

The meeting highlighted the importance of promoting effective facilitation of economic activities in Uganda by improving the tax policy and tax administration regime in line with the goal of creating an integrated self-sustaining economy, as envisioned under the NDP III framework.

Several key takeaways emerged from the engagement, including:

1. The revitalization of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between URA and UMA to periodically address strategic and operational matters, fostering collaboration between the parties.
2. URA’s commitment to publish clarifications on ledger reconciliation, resolving taxpayers’ concerns and misconceptions.
3. The provision of advance tax rulings for taxpayers seeking clarity from URA within 30 days, ensuring efficient business operations.
4. A joint effort to conduct evidence-based research for driving tax policy reforms and improving tax revenue.
5. The prioritization of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in tax disputes, with escalation to the Commissioner General’s office before involving the tax appeals tribunal.
6. A commitment to undertake joint consultations to submit harmonized positions on tax legislative matters.