Kampala Traders Call for Enhanced Sensitization on EFRIS

Traders in Kampala have urged the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) to conduct more awareness campaigns on the Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing Solution (EFRIS) before they adopt it.

Speaking on a national television program on April 16, 2024, Katongole Godfrey, Chairman of the Kampala Arcades Traders Association (KATA), emphasized the importance of understanding EFRIS and its functionality before embracing it.

“We are not opposed to the EFRIS system; we simply lack comprehension of its workings. We also need to grasp its relevance to our businesses. Therefore, we urge URA to intensify sensitization efforts for traders,” he stated.

Pamela Natamba, Partner and Head of Tax at Price Water House Coopers (PwC Uganda), echoed this sentiment, highlighting the challenge of traders’ unfamiliarity with the system.

“People haven’t grasped EFRIS, which poses a challenge. If televised sensitization hasn’t yielded results, alternative methods should be explored. There’s a clear need for more education,” Natamba remarked.

“EFRIS is just the tip of the iceberg. Traders need to comprehend taxation principles and recognize that EFRIS is merely a tool. Do they grasp this concept?” Natamba questioned.

Twaha Kayondo, a Domestic Tax Officer at URA, acknowledged the necessity of reaching out to all stakeholders while disputing claims of inadequate sensitization efforts by URA.

“While we may not have reached everyone, it’s inaccurate to say we’re inactive. We’ve utilized online platforms, various TV channels, and even established mobile clinics to educate people about EFRIS,” Kayondo affirmed.

He emphasized that traders understand EFRIS is not a tax, as URA has been utilizing it for some time, and reiterated its mutual benefits for traders and URA.

On April 9, 2024, a coalition of petitioners led by the Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA), representing traders from various arcades and shops in Kampala, appealed to Parliament for intervention in the taxation system enforced by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).