URA Commissioner General John Musinguzi Calls for Science-Driven Approaches to Combat Tax Evasion in Africa
Musinguzi made these remarks at Serena Hotel, Kampala, during a dinner event marking the conclusion of a five-day technical training workshop hosted by URA, with support from the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF).
The Commissioner General of the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), John Musinguzi, has urged African tax officials to embrace science and technology in the fight against tax evasion. He emphasized that the implementation of data-driven, evidence-based strategies will strengthen domestic revenue collection and secure financial independence for African nations, reducing their reliance on foreign aid.
Musinguzi made these remarks at Serena Hotel, Kampala, during a dinner event marking the conclusion of a five-day technical training workshop hosted by URA, with support from the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF). The workshop, held at Fairway Hotel, Kampala, brought together tax experts from 24 African countries under the theme: “Leveraging Scientific Approaches to Combat Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs).”
The URA Commissioner General underscored the need for African nations to invest in modern forensic tools that can enhance tax administration and crack down on illicit financial flows (IFFs). He urged delegates to take action by applying the scientific methods learned during the training and convincing their respective governments to prioritize technology-driven solutions.
“As revenue authorities, we have a unique opportunity to transform Africa’s economic future. Don’t let the knowledge gained here go to waste. Engage your Commissioner Generals and Finance Ministries to prioritize these critical technologies,” Musinguzi implored.
He further emphasized that cross-border collaboration among African nations is key to achieving economic prosperity.
“We must work together, or we risk being left behind in global development. With Africa’s resources, youthful population, and a shared vision, we have the potential to drive the next cycle of economic growth,” he added.
Musinguzi extended his appreciation to ATAF and the German Cooperation (GIZ) for their continued support in strengthening local capacity and providing resources to enhance tax administration across Africa. He acknowledged their role in fostering partnerships that equip African tax bodies with the skills and tools needed to fight tax evasion effectively.
Also speaking at the event, Denis Kugonza, Commissioner of the Tax Investigations Department (TID), highlighted the importance of tax education in changing public perception about taxation. He noted that a significant number of citizens remain unaware of their tax obligations, which affects compliance levels.
“Many citizens do not fully understand their tax obligations. Raising awareness on how taxes directly contribute to national growth will reduce resistance and improve compliance,” Kugonza explained.
Caroline Mutabayarwa, Head of the Tax Academy at ATAF in Pretoria, South Africa, commended URA’s progress in adopting science-driven solutions to fight tax fraud. She described the workshop as a turning point for Africa and encouraged tax authorities to fully integrate forensic science in revenue administration.
“This training has deepened our understanding of illicit financial flows and their economic impact. Scientific approaches offer practical solutions, and we must sustain this momentum,” she said.
Mutabayarwa concluded with an energizing call to action, urging all delegate members to ensure that the knowledge gained from the workshop translates into action in their respective countries.
“The message has been clear and exciting—we must not let this fire die!” she declared.
The workshop emphasized the urgency of adopting modern forensic tools, artificial intelligence, and data analytics in tax administration. African tax bodies were encouraged to integrate these scientific methods to detect and curb illicit financial flows, which cost the continent billions of dollars annually.
The discussions also reinforced the importance of regional cooperation, with revenue authorities urged to strengthen information-sharing mechanisms to track financial transactions across borders.
URA’s successful hosting of this technical training workshop underscores Uganda’s leadership in advancing science-driven tax administration. As African nations look to enhance their revenue mobilization strategies, the adoption of cutting-edge technologies will be instrumental in reducing tax evasion and securing financial independence.
The event closed with a renewed commitment from participating tax officials to implement the knowledge acquired and drive Africa’s economic transformation through smarter, science-backed tax policies.
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