Tax officials from Uganda visited college students at Muni University to teach them about taxes last week. They want young people to learn tax rules before they start any business. The northern region Customs Manager, Simon Tumwesigye Karokora, told students they should check what taxes apply to products they might sell. He said knowing accurate tax information helps when planning any business venture.
The manager warned students against smuggling stuff across borders because it hurts legal businesses and messes up market prices. During the event, students heard about various taxes, including customs fees and domestic tax requirements. They asked questions about seized goods, tax breaks for foreign companies, motorcycle registration, and jobs at the tax agency. The university student leader, Herbert Rwothomio, said this was the first tax education session he had seen in his three years at school.
Washington Opio, who serves as Acting Dean of Students, liked how the tax authority worked with the school. The tax agency wants more Ugandans to pay taxes voluntarily through these education programs. They reach out to schools, talk with community groups, and share information online. Tax reports show Uganda collected 25.2 trillion shillings last year, which beat the previous year by 16.4 percent and hit 98.4 percent of their target.
Most money came from value-added tax, employee income tax, and business profit taxes. Uganda still struggles with a low tax collection rate compared to nearby countries - just 13 percent versus the regional average of 16 percent. This makes teaching young people about taxes extra important since many will work in unofficial businesses. The tax agency hopes students at Muni University will become responsible taxpayers who help Uganda grow through their future careers and businesses.
The manager warned students against smuggling stuff across borders because it hurts legal businesses and messes up market prices. During the event, students heard about various taxes, including customs fees and domestic tax requirements. They asked questions about seized goods, tax breaks for foreign companies, motorcycle registration, and jobs at the tax agency. The university student leader, Herbert Rwothomio, said this was the first tax education session he had seen in his three years at school.
Washington Opio, who serves as Acting Dean of Students, liked how the tax authority worked with the school. The tax agency wants more Ugandans to pay taxes voluntarily through these education programs. They reach out to schools, talk with community groups, and share information online. Tax reports show Uganda collected 25.2 trillion shillings last year, which beat the previous year by 16.4 percent and hit 98.4 percent of their target.
Most money came from value-added tax, employee income tax, and business profit taxes. Uganda still struggles with a low tax collection rate compared to nearby countries - just 13 percent versus the regional average of 16 percent. This makes teaching young people about taxes extra important since many will work in unofficial businesses. The tax agency hopes students at Muni University will become responsible taxpayers who help Uganda grow through their future careers and businesses.
