KAMPALA — A number of Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) commissioners and other top officials are leaving their positions, sources have intimated to PML Daily.
The development comes in the wake of the resignation of the the indefatigable Dickson Kateshumbwa, the former commissioner for the powerful Customs department who filed out on Friday.
The development also come amid speculation that some URA top officials are facing inquiry over alleged corruption among other allegations.
These allegations have not been verified.
But PML Daily has learnt that three other Commissioners including Mr. Silajji Kanyesigye, the Assistant Commissioner, Large Taxpayer Office; the Commissioner Tax Investigations, Mr. Henry Martin Saka and Sam Kahima, a Tax Auditor in the Domestic Tax Department were also leaving the tax body.
It is understood that several positions including that of Mr. Herbert Rusoke, the Commissioner Internal Audit and Compliance Department among others are under review as the new Commissioner General John Rujoki Musinguzi gets to work.
Mr. Vicent Seruma, the URA spokesperson declined to comment on the purge but promised to issue a statement on the same.
Mr. Kateshumbwa paved the way for the URA movements on Friday when he announced he was leaving the tax body with immediate effect.
He wrote to all staff:
“Today, after more than 14 years of service in the Authority, I have decided to end my tour of duty ahead of my contractual period with immediate effect”.
Mr. Keteshumbwa, rose through the ranks in his 14-year stint at URA, serving in the domestic taxes, tax investigations audit, and Commissioner for Customs until February 28, 2020 when the former Commissioner General Doris Akol made sweeping changes, reshuffling four commissioners and promoting Mr. Abel Kagumire to replace him.
Mr. Kateshumbwa was then assigned as Commissioner for Domestic Taxes, and insiders intimated to this website, that the veteran tax collector did not fancy his new assignment.
Ms Akol herself was replaced a month later on March 29, with the new Commissioner General Mr. Musinguzi.
President Museveni sacked Ms Akol on March 29 over alleged failure to reign in corruption by top officers who were deemed untouchable.
Reports indicate that many other officials are at watchlist as new CG Musinguzi swings axe on the untouchables.
A source said that those implicated were asked to individually resign or be fired while others reportedly have decided to quit the body rather sever under new commissioner general.
Mr. Kateshumbwa’s Full e-mail below:
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Good evening Staff,
Today after more than 14 years of service in the authority I have decided to end my tour of duty ahead of my contractual period with immediate effect.
I have been privileged to serve in Customs, Tax Investigations and Domestic Taxes in addition to holding the WCO Chairmanship, Chairman Board of Trustees URA Staff Retirements Benefits Scheme, among others. I am particularly proud of the great countless reforms implemented that transferred Customs. This experience will be greatly put to use in my next occupation.
I want to take this opportunity to thank all staff that have worked with me directly or indirectly over the years. Special appreciation to the great Airbus team and recently the DT F1 group. Special appreciation also to my Senior Management colleagues for the great teamwork, spirit and comradeship since 2011 when I joined Senior bench.
I thank the URA Board of Directors for having given me the opportunity to serve. Thank you CG for the leadership and teamwork.
I have given my youthful service to URA, served diligently and leave with my spirits very high and will be forever indebted to URA.
Stay Blessed.
