MUGABE R
Traders operating within Rukungiri Municipality and the wider district have been urged to prioritize the registration of new businesses and the renewal of existing ones to avoid penalties and potential closure. The call was made on Monday, May 5, 2025, by Ms. Abeho Annah Munene during a one-day workshop organized by the Taxpayer Register Expansion Program (TREP).
The workshop, held to update stakeholders on revenue collection standards and strategies to expand the revenue base in urban centers, brought together representatives from the Ministry of Local Government, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), and the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).
Ms. Munene emphasized the importance of proper revenue collection practices to support the delivery of public services and the development of cities and municipalities across the country.
The Deputy Mayor of Rukungiri Municipality, Bernard Baryabawe, welcomed the workshop as an eye-opener but raised concerns about the confusion surrounding the implementation of the route chart, which he said has inconvenienced drivers passing through the district.
Municipal Treasurer Mugisha Amos echoed the need for unity among implementers, expressing frustration over the stalled progress of the route chart program since its launch.
LC3 Chairperson for Western Division, Ms. Sylivia Twinomugisha, criticized the government for delays in returning collected revenue to local authorities and called for either faster disbursement or suspension of remittances to the central government to improve local service delivery.
Emmy Turyabagyenyi, Municipal Councilor for Disability, called on revenue collection agencies to be inclusive of persons with disabilities, particularly the deaf, in their outreach and activities.
Meanwhile, Hajjati Mark Sulaiti appealed to the central government to increase the local revenue return from 20% to a higher percentage to enhance service delivery and to exempt ex gratia payments from taxation.
The workshop ended with a shared commitment to improve revenue systems and enhance transparency and equity in service delivery.
