Two URA staff detained over Shs45m bribe to help businessman dodge Shs3b taxes
What you need to know:
While launching URA Tower last month, President Museveni warned the tax collectors against engaging in unethical behaviours, saying he will not tolerate officers who lack integrity.
Two Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) staff members have been arrested for allegedly receiving Shs45 million as a bribe from a businessman to help him dodge taxes worth Shs3 billion.
The senior presidential press secretary, Mr Don Wanyama said the tax officers were arrested on Tuesday afternoon by State House Anti-Corruption Unit and police officers.
“The State House Anti-Corruption Unit working with the police have this afternoon arrested two staff of Uganda Revenue Authority who had picked Shs45 million (marked money) as a bribe from a Jinja businessman to help him dodge taxes worth Shs3b. They will be arraigned in court,” reads part of the statement shared by Mr Wanyama on his social media platforms.
Mr Wanyama further noted that the suspects will be arraigned in court and charged accordingly.
Assistant Commissioner Public and Corporate Affairs, Mr Seruma Vincent when contacted regarding the matter he said: “I am aware about the situation, but I do not have full details as yet.”
State House Anti-Corruption Unit is headed by Lt Col Edith Nakalema.
While launching URA Tower last month, President Museveni warned the tax collectors against engaging in unethical behaviours, saying he will not tolerate officers who lack integrity. He said while employing people to work with the tax body, integrity should be the most important yard stick ahead of other requirements.
“I want to appeal to you to stick to that and audit yourselves. Do not tolerate anybody who has no integrity. We have many young people who are capable,” Mr Museveni said.
