The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has raised a red flag over the rampant abuse of the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), linking it to escalating Value Added Tax (VAT) fraud, identity theft, and financial manipulation a trend threatening both national revenue and public trust.
The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has issued a stern warning over the increasing misuse of the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), a vital tool in Uganda’s tax administration, revealing that it is being exploited by fraudsters to commit Value Added Tax (VAT) fraud, identity theft, and manipulation of tax records.
In its latest newsletter for April to June 2025, the URA outlined how these practices are draining billions of shillings from the national treasury funds that could otherwise support critical sectors like healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
“Fraudulent VAT refunds are not only hurting the economy but also eroding public confidence in the tax system,” URA noted.
The report revealed that criminals are posing as tax agents, using tactics like phishing, social engineering, and stolen credentials to access and misuse TINs. Even more alarming, insiders within public institutions and the URA itself have reportedly facilitated some of these scams.
This TIN abuse has disrupted legitimate business operations, with some firms having their accounts frozen due to compromised tax identities, resulting in major revenue losses and reputational damage. URA warned that this also promotes unfair competition in the market, as tax-evading businesses gain an unfair advantage over compliant ones.
To counter the threat, URA is tightening enforcement. New measures include stiffer penalties, public naming of culprits, and a ramped-up public sensitization campaign.
“We must protect taxpayers, strengthen our digital defenses, and close the loopholes,” said a senior URA official. “This isn’t just a URA problem it’s a national issue.”
The authority is now working closely with institutions such as the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) to boost cybersecurity and authentication systems.
In conclusion, the URA has called for a united front across government, private sector, and the public to protect Uganda’s tax ecosystem.
“With stronger systems, informed taxpayers, and collaborative oversight, Uganda can secure its tax base, create a fairer business environment, and build a transparent, accountable tax system,” the statement emphasized.
