The Chairperson of Bunyangabu District, Hon. Peter Musinguzi, has urged residents and business operators to pay their taxes through the official government payment system. He made the call during the district budget conference held at the District Council Hall on Wednesday. Musinguzi warned against cash collections that may undermine local revenue mobilisation efforts. The district aims to collect over 1 billion Shillings in local revenue.
According to Musinguzi, the district has been losing out on potential collections due to weaknesses in revenue administration. Some officials have failed to remit all the money collected, which has affected the district's revenue targets. The Chairperson raised concerns about possible irregularities in the collection of building plan fees, property rates, and other local revenue sources.
Musinguzi specifically warned that some parish chiefs and town agents could still be collecting money in cash instead of using system-generated payment reference numbers (PRNs). This practice may lead to revenue leakages and undermine the district's efforts to maximise local revenue. The Chairperson emphasised the need for all revenue collections to be done through the official system.
The district's revenue challenges were highlighted during the budget conference, where leaders expressed concern over the district's failure to raise its targeted local revenue. The conference was attended by various stakeholders, including local leaders and officials. The district's budget for the upcoming financial year is expected to be influenced by the revenue targets.
Meanwhile, Bunyangabu County Member of Parliament, Hon. Victor Kalenzi, challenged the district to invest more in tourism promotion. He suggested that the district could make effective use of its website and social media platforms to promote tourism. Kalenzi noted that the district has tourism potential that could attract visitors from within and outside Uganda.
Kalenzi's comments were made in the context of the district's efforts to diversify its revenue streams. The district is exploring ways to maximise its revenue potential, including investing in tourism infrastructure and promotion. The MP's suggestion is expected to be considered by the district authorities as they develop their revenue mobilisation strategies.
The warning by Musinguzi and the suggestion by Kalenzi underscore the district's efforts to improve its revenue mobilisation and maximise its revenue potential. The district's revenue targets for the upcoming financial year are expected to be influenced by these efforts. The authorities are expected to implement measures to address the revenue challenges and maximise local revenue.
Key points
- The district aims to collect over 1 billion Shillings in local revenue.
- The Chairperson warned against cash collections that may undermine local revenue mobilisation efforts.
- The district is exploring ways to maximise its revenue potential, including investing in tourism infrastructure and promotion.
