The appointment of Denis Kugonza URA as Commissioner for Domestic Taxes has set the stage for a new chapter in Uganda’s revenue mobilization strategy. Announced by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), Kugonza now leads the department tasked with delivering a record Shs 33.18 trillion target for the financial year 2025/26.

A Fellow Chartered Certified Accountant, Kugonza brings extensive experience in fraud detection and tax reforms. He previously served as Commissioner for Tax Investigations, where he spearheaded the 2023 Automatic Exchange of Information law and established specialized investigation units to target high-risk sectors. His leadership has been credited with strengthening accountability and exposing tax fraud networks.

URA officials describe his appointment as a “homecoming,” noting that Kugonza began his career in Domestic Taxes back in 2005. He also held senior finance roles at the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) and the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS), and worked in the UK as an external auditor.

As Commissioner, Denis Kugonza URA will focus on digitizing tax systems, expanding the taxpayer register, and improving compliance to sustain double-digit growth in collections. His reform-driven style and zero-tolerance stance on corruption are expected to play a central role in ensuring Uganda can finance its growing budget through reliable domestic revenues.

With collections already rising from Shs 21.25 trillion in FY 2024/25, expectations are high that Kugonza’s leadership will help URA meet its ambitious targets. His appointment highlights government’s renewed emphasis on transparency, efficiency, and long-term sustainability in tax administration.