President Museveni Establishes State House Revenue Intelligence and Strategic Operations Unit To Oversee URA And Combat Corruption

In a significant move to enhance transparency and efficiency within Uganda’s tax administration, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has announced the creation of the State House Revenue Intelligence and Strategic Operations Unit. This newly formed body will have oversight over the operations of the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) with a primary focus on fighting corruption and curbing revenue leakages.

President Museveni has appointed Mr. David Kalemera as the Senior Presidential Advisor and Head of the Unit. Mr. Kalemera, a seasoned professional with extensive experience in financial oversight and anti-corruption initiatives, is expected to bring a fresh perspective and rigorous oversight to the URA’s operations. Kalemera has ever worked with URA rom 2009-2017.

In his address to the nation, President Museveni emphasized the critical role of the Unit in fortifying Uganda’s revenue collection mechanisms. “The creation of this unit will help the Government close revenue leakages and boost tax collection. By ensuring that every shilling is accounted for, we will strengthen our fiscal position and provide better services to our citizens,” he stated.

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Objectives and Functions of the New Unit

The State House Revenue Intelligence and Strategic Operations Unit will operate under the direct supervision of the President’s Office, ensuring its independence and authority in executing its mandate. Its primary objectives include:

1. Oversight and Monitoring: Conducting regular audits and evaluations of URA operations to identify and address inefficiencies and irregularities.
2. Anti-Corruption Measures: Implementing stringent anti-corruption strategies to detect and prevent fraudulent activities within the tax administration system.
3. Revenue Enhancement: Developing and recommending policies to enhance tax collection and minimize revenue leakages.
4. Capacity Building: Training URA staff and equipping them with the necessary skills and tools to effectively combat corruption and improve operational efficiency.
5. Public Engagement: Engaging with the public and other stakeholders to foster a culture of accountability and transparency within the tax system.

The Appointment of David Kalemera

Mr. David Kalemera’s appointment as the Senior Presidential Advisor and Head of the Unit has been met with optimism. Known for his integrity and expertise in financial management, Mr. Kalemera has previously served in various high-profile positions where he successfully led anti-corruption campaigns and revenue enhancement projects.

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Kalemera expressed his commitment to the task ahead. “I am honored to serve in this capacity and am fully dedicated to ensuring that the URA operates with the highest standards of integrity and efficiency. Together with my team, we will work tirelessly to safeguard Uganda’s financial resources,” he affirmed.

Expected Impact

The establishment of the State House Revenue Intelligence and Strategic Operations Unit is anticipated to have a profound impact on Uganda’s economic landscape. By addressing the root causes of revenue leakages and corruption, the Government aims to significantly boost tax revenues, which are crucial for funding public services and infrastructure projects.

Moreover, this initiative aligns with President Museveni’s broader agenda of promoting good governance and economic development. It sends a strong message about the Government’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption and its commitment to fostering a transparent and accountable tax system.

Conclusion

As Uganda continues to navigate its path towards economic prosperity, the creation of the State House Revenue Intelligence and Strategic Operations Unit marks a pivotal step in strengthening the nation’s financial foundation. With Mr. David Kalemera at the helm, the Unit is poised to make substantial strides in combating corruption and enhancing revenue collection, ultimately contributing to the nation’s socio-economic growth and stability.