President Yoweri Museveni is wearing a wrinkled face these days courtesy of what he calls the rot within the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).
The Head of State says this tax body, not only makes losses in terms of revenue collections, but it’s officers are also involved in stealing even the little they collect. The president also says there’s under declaration of taxes that are collected, the reason he has created a special unit within State House to tackle the huge Corruption there.
Museveni made the remarks as he addressed Ministers and Permanent Secretaries at Kyankwanzi where he even ordered for the URA Commissioner General Rujoki Musinguzi to be summoned to Kyankwanzi.
The president said he had obtained what he called a lot of credible information suggesting that Uganda has really got a lot of money but those involved in revenue collections, are not doing a proper job.
“This country of yours has got a lot of money. I am now convinced that you have a lot of money. First of all, there’s a lot of under collection of taxes but also there’s massive stealing of what is collected” Museveni fumed.
He went on ‘Now you can imagine how much more we could do if we plug both under collection and the stealing’
At this juncture, a tough-talking Museveni whose face immediately lost its usual beaming looks with a shiny bald head asked whether the organisers of the cabinet retreat had taken trouble to invite URA Commissioner General to Kyankwanzi.
“Did those people (organizers) call (the) Musinguzi fellow? Did he come? Let him come” He angrily said.
He said that out of disgust with the events in the tax body and Parliament, he was creating two units within State House to help check the corruption in both URA and Parliament.
“Apart from the State House Anti-Corruption Unit headed by Brig. General (Henry) Isoke, I am also setting up both a Tax investigations Unit and an Accountancy and Audit Unit. They will be able to investigate all tax evasions and under declarations, money diverted by Parliament and Stolen etcetera” the Commander in Chief said.
Although he’s yet to name the head of the new Accountancy and Audit Unit, Gen. Museveni last week appointed David Kalemera as the head of the State House Revenue Intelligence and Strategic Operations Unit!
SHS9.7TRILLION STOLEN ANNUALLY
According to Museveni, the Inspector General of Government (IGG) estimates that the country loses approximately Shs9.7 trillion annually due to corruption.
“This is not acceptable; corruption should be crushed and will be crushed,” the President declared during his keynote speech on the National Resistance Movement’s commitment to improving the quality of life for Ugandans.
President Museveni made the remarks during the opening ceremony of the Public Service Leaders’ Introspection Retreat at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi.
The 7-day retreat is themed: “Answering the Citizens’ Call: Improved Service Delivery for Socio-Economic Transformation” and is being attended by Ministers, Permanent Secretaries and the members of the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC).
Emphasising the historical roots and enduring nature of corruption, President Museveni recounted anecdotes from his childhood, illustrating how endemic corruption was before the NRM leadership.
“Before the advent of the NRM leadership, corruption was endemic in Uganda, both during the time of the British and afterwards,” he noted.
The President drew a stark contrast between the pre-NRM era and the measures his administration has taken to combat corruption. He cited the discipline enforced within the NRA (National Resistance Army), where misconduct was severely punished.
“When the NRA came on the scene, all this misconduct stopped,” he stated, highlighting the public execution of those who committed atrocities against the wananchi, such as the notorious Zaburoni.
He said this was done in order to maintain discipline and integrity within the army.
Despite these efforts, President Museveni acknowledged that corruption persists, particularly among those in charge of government funds, procurement, and personnel.
In order address the ongoing corruption, President Museveni announced the establishment of the aforementioned units!
NO BAIL FOR THUGS
Museveni highlighted the role of the judiciary in supporting anti-corruption efforts, calling for no bail for those accused of serious crimes, including corruption.
“The only support we need from the Judiciary is no bail for those accused of murder, treason, terrorism, rape, defilement, corruption (embezzlement), and village thefts,” he asserted.
The President reiterated his commitment to defeating corruption, linking it to broader national goals such as security, healthcare, education, and economic integration.
“Once we deal with the corruption, we, then, have the other elements of the mass-line that I talked about at Kololo recently, different from the elite-line. Apart from security for all, we insisted on immunisation for all and health care for all; education for all (UPE and USE); prosperity for all; clean water for all; infrastructure development; and continental and regional economic integration for the market of our wealth products. With these, we cannot go wrong,” he affirmed.
VP JESSICA ALUPO SWINGS
Meanwhile, speaking in capital letters, Gen. Museveni’s Second-In-Command, Maj. Jessica Alupo highlighted Uganda’s advancements in security and economic stability under her boss’ leadership.
“You can now move from North to East, South to West, and Central at any time of the day without any interruptions. This is military security,” Alupo who’s also Katakwi district Woman MP said, underscoring the nation’s improved security landscape. She added that the economic security under Jjajja Museveni needs no further explanation as it speaks for itself!
“Your Excellency, you have provided economic stability from 1986 up to now,” Alupo who spotted a beaming face emphasized, acknowledging President Museveni’s pivotal role in fostering a stable and secure Uganda.
VP Alupo’s remarks were beefed up by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, who also expressed her gratitude and admiration for President Museveni’s leadership, which has steered Uganda towards significant development milestones.
“Allow me to thank you, Your Excellency, for your vision, wisdom, and strategic leadership that has propelled Uganda from the ranks of the least developed countries to lower middle-income status,” the Prime Minister remarked.
She affirmed her office’s commitment to coordinating with all other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure the successful implementation of the government’s ambitious operational strategy aimed at fostering a public service culture that supports tenfold economic growth.
LUCY NAKYOBE
The Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet, Lucy Nakyobe was also there in a detailed manner! She also extended her deepest gratitude to President Museveni for his visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to Uganda’s development.
“Your commitment to enhancing the lives of our people through strategic initiatives and policies provides the foundation upon which we build our efforts,” she stated.
She also emphasized the critical role of Ministers and Permanent Secretaries in improving service delivery.
“Your presence here signifies the collective resolve to introspect, evaluate, and strategize for better service delivery. Your expertise and leadership are vital in steering our ministries and departments towards achieving our shared goals,” she said.
Ms. Nakyobe also acknowledged the valuable contributions of Party Executive Leaders.
“Your role in shaping our political landscape and guiding policy implementation is crucial. Your insights and support are invaluable,” she noted.
Ms. Nakyobe stressed the importance of responding to the needs and aspirations of Ugandan citizens, underscoring that improved service delivery is a necessity for the nation’s progress and prosperity.“The citizens of Uganda have voiced their needs and aspirations, and it is our duty to respond effectively and efficiently,” she added.
