IGG investigations to boost fight against corruption – URA

Ibrahim Bbosa Kibuuka, URA’s Spokesperson and Assistant Commissioner Public and Corporate Affairs, said that the current URA management is transparent and that it has nothing to hide from investigators.

Bbosa also dismissed a fresh wave of old allegations as outrageous— some of the regurgitated claims have since been comprehensively investigated by the new administration and handled with tighter controls.

“Some of the allegations that have appeared in the media are outrageous, some issues being reported happened in the past, and the current administration has unearthed them, and we welcome anybody interested in knowing how we are dealing with them,” he said.

He added: “Our prayer is that the media and investigators do not destroy an important institution that supports the nation. If only these matters could be handled carefully so that the institution’s performance is not affected. It will be nice, as part of the investigations, to also take a look at the performance of the initiatives in place to boost our fight against corruption and lack of integrity.”

He said the current administration is committed to transforming URA into a high-performing agency that delivers the best possible services to all taxpayers.

He said URA has since put in place internal measures including Change and Culture Transformation initiative, to ensure all staff live with integrity, exude patriotism and always serve professionally. “The URA Board has strengthened the internal compliance function by elevating the Staff Compliance Section to a Division under the Commissioner General’s Office. The Division is tasked with the responsibility of enhancing internal compliance and safeguarding the reputation of URA,” he said—listing a litany of policies to guide staff including; URA Code of Conduct, URA Offence Schedule, Lifestyle Audit Policy, the Anti-fraud & Corruption Policy, which addresses fraud, giving & receipt of gifts, the Prevention of Sexual Harassment & Abuse of Authority Policy.

“In addition, taxpayers can also report cases of poor integrity among taxpayers, and if the reports yield revenue, taxpayers may be rewarded for helping URA recover undeclared or unremitted taxes,” he said.