By Ben Musanje
The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has clarified that linking taxpayer profiles to National Identification Numbers (NINs) and biometric information will not automatically make Ugandans without businesses liable for tax, but will instead strengthen identification, traceability and help curb fraud involving Tax Identification Numbers (TINs).
Christine Mirembe, Assistant Commissioner for Client Services at URA, said the authority is upgrading taxpayer profiles to include photographs and biometric verification, including fingerprints, to ensure that only the legitimate holder can access and transact using a TIN.
Mirembe explained that the current taxpayer profile does not contain a photograph, creating room for individuals to fraudulently use other people’s TINs.
“We are going to put your picture,” Mirembe said, adding that biometric verification will make it easier to confirm the identity of a person conducting a transaction.
She said the integration of the TIN and NIN systems has already been completed, with URA currently mapping taxpayer information as part of the first phase of the transition.
Mirembe urged taxpayers who already have TINs to ensure that their NINs are linked to their tax records. She said those who provided their NINs when registering for a TIN should wait to be contacted by URA as the authority rolls out the next phase of the system.
Those who obtained TINs without providing their NINs have been encouraged to contact URA through its website or offices so that their records can be updated.
According to Mirembe, the linkage is intended to ensure that existing taxpayer information is not lost, even for people who obtained their TINs many years ago.
She said the NIN will serve as a unique identifier, making it easier for government agencies to trace an individual’s transactions across different services.
Mirembe noted that the NIN is already being used in accessing several services, including banking, and said linking it to tax records could allow government to connect information from financial institutions, trading licences and mobile money transactions.
She said the improved traceability will help URA identify people who are actively engaged in business and determine their tax obligations, rather than relying solely on information provided during TIN registration.
“There is no way you say, I’m out of business and I’m not liable to pay tax, yet all the other transactions are very visible to the government,” Mirembe said.
However, she stressed that the system is primarily intended to strengthen identification and compliance among those who have taxable activities and prevent people from taking over or misusing another person’s TIN.
Mirembe also addressed Ugandans who do not yet have NINs, urging them to register and obtain the national identification number.
She said URA is working with the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) to facilitate NIN registration and subsequently enable eligible individuals to register for tax purposes.
The remarks were made while Mirembe represented URA at the launch of the My Identity Expo and Symposium 2026, scheduled for September 24–26 at the Kololo Independence Grounds.
The event is expected to bring together government agencies, private-sector players, development partners and citizens to explore the growing role of legal identity in everyday life. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
