Uganda’s taxman sacks 2 senior staff over corruption weeks after Emmanuel Katongole’s resignation

Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), the country’s tax authority, has dismissed two senior officials, including its Commissioner for Customs and the head of its Integrity, Compliance and Ethics function, over corruption-related allegations, six (6) weeks after businessman Emmanuel Katongole resigned as chairman of the tax agency’s board, citing competing business and international responsibilities.

The dismissals, effective November 13, 2026, affect Hajji Asadu Kisitu Kigozi, who headed Uganda’s Customs, and James Abola, Assistant Commissioner for Integrity, Compliance and Ethics. Uganda Revenue Authority board’s Assistant Commissioner for Public and Corporate Affairs Robert Kalumba confirmed that the two officials were dismissed following internal disciplinary proceedings and a decision by the Authority’s Board.

URA dismisses customs commissioner over alleged bribery

Kigozi, Uganda’s tax authority official for more than 25 years, was dismissed over allegations that he solicited approximately Ush300 million ($72,694) from clearing agent Timothy Segaane in 2025 and received another Ush5 million ($1,212) in 2026.

The disciplinary findings also implicated him in allegedly concealing compliance information and tax liabilities involving Master Grain Milling Ltd, reportedly causing revenue losses for personal gain. He was further accused of facilitating preferential tax treatment for selected importers, including businessman James Matovu, also known as Galusanja.

In one reported instance, Matovu allegedly paid about Ush19 million ($4,604) in taxes on goods for which other importers paid more than Ush90 million ($21,808). Kigozi was also accused of facilitating the irregular clearance of a Rolls-Royce Cullinan valued at approximately Ush3.4 billion ($823,860) without following customs valuation and tax payment procedures. The vehicle, reportedly linked to former Speaker Anita Among, was later impounded amid wider investigations.

Kigozi had been suspended in April 2026 and subsequently placed on garden leave. Although he challenged aspects of the disciplinary process over alleged procedural irregularities, the board proceeded with his dismissal without benefits.

Integrity and compliance chief dismissed over investigations

The second dismissal involves Abola, whose responsibilities included overseeing ethical standards, internal investigations and compliance at URA. He was accused of mishandling investigations into suspected Payment Reference Number (PRN) fraud involving taxpayers Godfrey Omony and Marvin Kayima. The allegations included failing to properly investigate a case assigned to him in 2024 and produce findings that could support prosecution or disciplinary action.

Abola was also accused of altering findings in a subsequent PRN fraud investigation report in 2025 or 2026, despite reportedly not being part of the team responsible for the reinvestigation.

His dismissal letter, signed by URA Commissioner General John Musinguzi, cited abuse of privileges, gross negligence, aiding and abetting offences, unsatisfactory performance and conduct prejudicial to the Authority’s interests.

Dismissals follow Katongole’s departure as board chairman

The decisions come 42 days after Katongole resigned as URA board chairman, a position he assumed on April 1, 2026, succeeding banker Juma Kisaame. Katongole attributed his departure to competing responsibilities as executive chairman of Quality Chemical Industries, which is expanding its manufacturing operations, and his international commitments as Rotary International director for Zone 22.

Before his resignation, questions had emerged over the board’s handling of disciplinary proceedings involving Kigozi, who challenged the fairness of the investigation. Katongole rejected suggestions that internal disagreements influenced his departure.

Abola had also faced a separate legal setback earlier in 2026 after the High Court awarded URA colleague Nicholas Jjengo Ush100 million ($24,231.18) in damages in a defamation case and ordered him to issue an apology.

URA faces renewed scrutiny over accountability

The dismissals place renewed attention on governance and internal accountability at an institution responsible for collecting government revenue, enforcing tax compliance and combating customs fraud.

Uganda is seeking to increase its tax-to-GDP ratio from approximately 14.2% to 20% by the 2029/30 financial year, making effective revenue administration and the prevention of tax leakages central to its fiscal ambitions.

However, the allegations in the disciplinary proceedings should be distinguished from criminal convictions. It remains unclear whether the matters will be referred to law enforcement agencies for possible prosecution.