The Government of Uganda has proposed a sweeping new levy on all cash withdrawals in a bid to bolster domestic revenue collection. Under the plan, both individuals and businesses would incur a small fee on every withdrawal made from bank accounts, mobile money wallets, and other financial platforms.
The 2026/27 Revenue Enhancement and Compliance Measures propose introducing an excise duty of 0.25% on the value of every cash withdrawal, extending beyond the current framework that primarily targets mobile money transactions.
Government says the reform is designed to create a fair and balanced financial ecosystem while closing loopholes that have long enabled tax avoidance.
Under the existing structure, a 0.5% excise duty applies to withdrawals from mobile money platforms, a policy that has often been criticized for disproportionately affecting digital financial users.
The new measure seeks to harmonize taxation across all channels, including bank counters, ATMs, and agent banking services.
“This reform is about neutrality,” a policy brief under the Revenue Enhancement and Compliance Measures notes.
“By applying the duty uniformly, we eliminate the disadvantage placed on mobile money users and ensure equal treatment across the financial sector.”
Beyond equity, government is also pursuing a broader strategic objective: accelerating the transition to a cashless economy.
Digital transactions are easier to track, making them a powerful tool in improving tax compliance and reducing informal, unreported financial activity.
Government argues that the expanded excise duty will discourage excessive cash usage, encourage digital payments, and enhance transparency in financial flows.
The measure is also expected to mitigate risks associated with tax evasion, particularly through less traceable cash-based transactions.
If implemented, the policy is projected to generate approximately UGX 250 billion in additional revenue, providing a significant boost to government coffers at a time when fiscal pressures remain high.
However, the proposal is likely to spark debate among consumers and businesses alike, especially those who rely heavily on cash for daily transactions.
The tax is expected to increase the cost of accessing money, but it is likely to be a necessary step toward modernization and fiscal sustainability.
As the 2026/27 budget cycle approaches, all eyes will be on policymakers to see whether this sweeping reform will pass, and how it will reshape the country’s financial landscape.