A NEW CHAPTER IN REGIONAL COOPERATION: URA AND MALAWI REVENUE AUTHORITY STRENGTHEN TIES

In a significant step toward regional collaboration, the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) Commissioner General, John Musinguzi, welcomed the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) delegation, led by Commissioner General Daniel Dominic Daka, to URA headquarters in Kampala on Tuesday, 28th February 2025. The visit aimed to strengthen ties and enhance revenue collection strategies in both countries. 

The meeting, marked by solidarity and mutual respect, focused on shared challenges such as foreign exchange earnings and mineral taxation—key sectors for both nations. Commissioner General Daka expressed gratitude for the opportunity to benchmark and learn from URA’s experiences, emphasizing the need for continuous collaboration to overcome challenges and achieve shared goals. 

Commissioner General Musinguzi echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of regional cooperation. "As African nations, we must work together to grow our economies and improve livelihoods," he said. 

He stressed the value of sharing knowledge and best practices to address common issues like tax evasion, illicit financial flows, and taxing emerging sectors such as mining and digital economies. 

Both leaders acknowledged the transformative role of technology in modernizing tax administration and improving compliance. They agreed to explore joint initiatives, including technical expertise exchange and integrated systems development, to combat cross-border tax crimes and enhance efficiency. 

For the MRA, the visit was a pivotal moment in its efforts to strengthen regional partnerships and improve revenue collection. The delegation expressed keen interest in URA’s use of digital tools and sought insights into strategies for maximizing revenue from minerals and foreign exchange earnings. 

The meeting concluded with a tour of URA’s facilities, offering the Malawi delegation firsthand insights into Uganda’s tax administration processes. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to collaboration, with Daka stating, "This is the beginning of a new chapter in our partnership," and Musinguzi adding, "By working together, we can set an example for the continent and create a brighter future for all." 

The MRA delegation comprised of the Deputy Commissioner General Mr.Henry Ngutwa, Director of Policy Planning and Research Mr. James Kenani, Director-Legal Services and Company Secretary Mrs. Beatrice Mwangwela, Acting personal Assistant – Comissioner General’s Office Mr. Andrew Mtukuleni and Deputy Commissioner, Domestic Taxes- Operations Mrs. Rose Ngwira.

BY FUNSANI JOHN SCANDER