Enhancing Africa’s Revenue Collaboration and Innovation

The Uganda Revenue Authority has made history by winning a seat on the African Tax Administration Forum Council. This victory was announced during the General Assembly of ATAF that was held at the Radisson Blu Convention Centre in Kigali, Rwanda, and indicates the country’s increasing stewardship in championing effective tax administration and regional cooperation.

The growth of Uganda’s rising influence in tax administration will be upon the URA Commissioner General John Musinguzi who has been elected to the ATAF Council to represent the EAC region for a two-year term. His election is attributed to the trust and confidence which the African tax community have that Uganda will remain at the center of driving efforts toward the call for greater transparency and compliance in systems of taxation.

Expressing his excitement, Musinguzi said, “I am happy that Uganda was elected to the ATAF Council. This is a testament to our work of nurturing compliance and efficient administration of taxes in Uganda, as we continue to collaborate with other African countries toward the attainment of our collective aspirations.”

This achievement highlights not just Uganda’s contribution to regional tax administration but also brings into the limelight various best practices in revenue collections and governance.

### Leading the Way for Collaborative Growth
As a member of the ATAF Council, Musinguzi will oversee the Secretariat’s activities, facilitate discussions among member states, and ensure the Forum’s initiatives align with its strategic goals. His role will also involve approving key projects aimed at strengthening tax systems across Africa.

“This recognition adds value to Uganda’s tax systems, brings about transparency, and also voluntary compliance,” Musinguzi added. He highlighted that the achievement serves as an inspiration for other African nations in improving their tax structures.

**A Short Overview of ATAF’s Impact

The ATAF was founded in Kampala, Uganda, in 2009. It has since become a key platform for African tax administrations to come together on shared challenges, shape tax policies, and have their voice heard on international tax matters. Today, the Forum boasts 37 member countries and is widely regarded as Africa’s solution to enhancing revenue collection and promoting development.

ATAF has thus far been instrumental in shaping tax reforms across the continent. It is recognized by the African Union as a leading authority on tax matters, and it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Pan-African Parliament to establish a standardized approach to Double Taxation Agreements across Africa.

Empowering Tax Administrations Through Capacity Building

One of the core strengths of ATAF is a focus on capacity building. To date, the Forum has provided training for over 15,000 tax officials in international taxation, transfer pricing, VAT, and natural resource taxation. It has also established technical committees for specific challenges, such as the Legal Counsel Network and the Exchange of Information Technical Committee.

These efforts have enabled member states to revise key tax legislation, resulting in significant improvements in revenue collection. Musinguzi lauded ATAF’s capacity-building initiatives, stating, “I want to applaud ATAF’s efforts, which continue to strengthen revenue administrations in Africa.”

Driving the Global Tax Agenda

Beyond Africa, ATAF plays an influential role in global tax governance. It actively represents African interests in international platforms such as the Inclusive Framework and the United Nations Committee of Experts. Through this, ATAF provides a voice for the continent’s unique perspectives, ensuring that Africa’s voice is heard on critical tax issues.

This commitment has earned the organisation recognition at regional and international levels through its promotion of tailored solutions for African tax challenges.

A Platform for African Innovation and Unity

The election of Uganda to the ATAF Council solidifies its position as a key player in Africa’s tax community while setting the stage for greater collaboration and innovation across the continent.

With John Musinguzi at the helm, Uganda is set to steer the EAC region in driving ATAF’s vision for the next two years. The engagement of the country on the Council should be a guarantee for stronger partnerships, increased knowledge sharing, and ultimately contributing to sustainable development through better tax systems.

This achievement marks the beginning of a new and important chapter in Uganda’s journey toward becoming a model for efficient tax administration. In fact, Musinguzi said, “This win serves as a benchmark for other African countries as far as best practices go in tax administration.”

The Road Ahead

Uganda’s active participation in ATAF is aimed at furthering its policy of regional unity and solving shared challenges. With the new position on the ATAF Council, the country will continue to work with fellow African nations to build stronger, more transparent tax systems.

That day became quite the watershed moment, underlining that it is collaboration and innovative thinking that will shape Africa’s future. Uganda leading within the ATAF demonstrates its leadership commitment to advancing tax governance for development across the continent.