URA Explains Prudence of Decision To Take Up Office Space at Sudhir’s New Building (RR Pearl Tower)

By Guest Writer

The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has defended its move to acquire additional office space at the newly opened RR Pearl Tower on Yusuf Lule Road in Kampala, saying the expansion is aimed at improving efficiency and enhancing service delivery to taxpayers.

The new offices will house key departments, including the Large Taxpayers Office (LTO), the Public Sector and Medium Taxpayer Divisions, and other specialized units.

Robert Kalumba, URA’s Assistant Commissioner of Public and Corporate Affairs, explained that the expansion is necessary to accommodate the growing workforce and support emerging industries such as oil and gas.

“We have grown to serve you better and faster,” Kalumba said. “This expansion responds to the growth of companies in sectors like oil and petroleum, which need specialized attention.”

The relocation will be carried out in phases to ensure uninterrupted service to taxpayers. “First to move are the Large Taxpayer Offices, the Public Sector, and the Medium Taxpayer Division. Later, the Risk and Strategy Department and the Petroleum Division will follow,” Kalumba added.

He noted that the Pearl Tower offices will bring URA closer to clients, particularly those in Kampala’s Central Business District. “Being nearer to our clients means more staff, faster service, and greater attention to detail,” he said.

The expansion comes after URA recently recruited over 1,000 new staff, mostly for the customs department, increasing the total workforce from about 2,000 five years ago to over 3,000 today. Kalumba explained that the URA Tower in Nakawa currently accommodates about 1,700 employees, leaving a need for office space for roughly 1,300 more staff.

Kalumba also dismissed social media claims that URA is paying Shs 18 billion annually in rent for the new offices, calling them “false and misleading.” “One of the biggest problems we face is fake news—and this is a prime example,” he said.

He further assured that the office procurement process was open, competitive, and fully compliant with the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets (PPDA) Act. “The contract was awarded to the lowest bidder, following all PPDA rules and regulations,” Kalumba said.