By Mulengera Reporters
It was not just another workshop in Lira, but a turning point for many women entrepreneurs who walked away with a renewed sense of financial confidence and tax awareness, thanks to the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA)’s hands-on engagement last Friday.
In a hall filled with ambition, resilience, and curiosity, women from all walks of life, traders, artisans, small manufacturers, and startup founders, gathered for a financial literacy workshop organized by URA.
The objective was to help women understand the tax system, comply with regulations, and build sustainable businesses.
The session was primarily conducted in the local language, ensuring that no one was left behind. URA’s Tax Education Officer, Mercy Okori, delivered the keynote message with clarity and conviction.
“Tax is the price we pay for civilization. Without taxes, there are no hospitals, no schools, no roads. When you pay taxes, you’re building your country,” she said.
Okori also warned against common mistakes like owning multiple Tax Identification Numbers (TINs) and poor record-keeping, which often lead to penalties and confusion.
She also encouraged participants to join business associations like UWEAL and local manufacturing groups for better exposure and support.
Throughout the workshop, women asked tough questions, shared their challenges, and even gave testimonies, with one participant revealing how keeping proper records saved her from unnecessary tax payments, as her books proved her income was below the threshold.
Andrew Mukulu, Acting Head of URA Lira Station, used the opportunity to clarify URA’s role in the tax system.
“Our job is to collect revenue and guide on policy,” Mukulu explained, adding that URA doesn’t decide decide how taxes are spent. “That’s the role of the Ministry of Finance and Parliament. We are here to support you, not scare you.”
The day featured practical sessions on presumptive tax, TIN application, deadlines, and business planning, core issues that often frustrate small businesses.
For many, the workshop didn’t just offer knowledge, but liberation, from myths, fear, and ignorance.
With a growing number of women stepping into the business world, URA’s outreach efforts are not just about tax compliance, but nation-building as well. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
