KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has arrested one of its managers and a clearing agent following allegations that they attempted to obtain a $60,000 (about Shs220 million) bribe from a taxpayer facing a tax audit.
The authority identified the manager as Geoffrey Kawere Sozzi, who works in External Relations in the Customs Department.
URA spokesperson Robert Kalumba said the arrest followed a tip from a whistleblower who alerted the authority’s investigations team about the alleged solicitation.
According to the authority, the suspects initially demanded $100,000 from the taxpayer but later reduced the amount to $60,000 during negotiations.
The money was allegedly sought in exchange for influencing or stopping the tax audit.
Restaurant sting
URA investigators subsequently monitored the alleged transaction, culminating in an operation at a Kampala restaurant last Thursday evening.
Mr Kalumba said Sozzi was arrested after the money was handed over.
The clearing agent allegedly involved in facilitating contact between the taxpayer and the URA official was also arrested and is assisting investigators.
“Today is a sad day for URA,” Mr Kalumba said while presenting the suspect to journalists on Monday.
He said the incident was being treated seriously because it involved allegations against a staff member of an institution responsible for collecting government revenue.
More suspects sought
URA said investigations are continuing, with other individuals allegedly connected to the scheme still being pursued.
The authority’s legal team is preparing the case before the suspects are taken through the court process.
The arrests form part of what URA described as efforts to strengthen internal accountability and combat corruption within the tax administration system.
The authority said the case demonstrates the importance of information from members of the public in detecting suspected misconduct.
Mr Kalumba credited the whistleblower with helping investigators uncover the alleged scheme.
“Without a whistleblower we would never have caught this man,” he said.
URA urges public vigilance
URA has encouraged taxpayers and other members of the public to report officials or intermediaries suspected of demanding money to influence tax assessments, audits or other official processes.
The authority said reports can be made through its whistleblower hotline, 0800 257700.
The alleged bribery case comes at a time when URA is seeking to improve revenue collection and strengthen public confidence in Uganda’s tax administration.
The authority has repeatedly emphasised compliance with tax laws while warning its staff and intermediaries against misconduct.
The suspects remain allegations at this stage and will have an opportunity to respond to the charges through the judicial process.