MTN Uganda has been publicly recognised as the country’s Top Taxpayer for the last three consecutive years, underscoring its pivotal role in funding Uganda’s ambitious national development agenda.
The prestigious recognition was awarded by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) at an event held in Kampala, cementing the company’s status as a key economic partner. The event was graced by Hon. Matia Kasaija, the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Evelyn Anite, the State Minister for Investment and Privatisation, among others.
Sylvia Mulinge, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MTN Uganda, expressed immense pride in the achievement, highlighting the context of the award within Uganda’s long-term goals. “This is a significant achievement and comes at a pivotal moment as Uganda pursues an ambitious vision of achieving 10x growth by 2040,” stated Mulinge. “We are proud to be doing our part in developing Uganda as we become a country that is able to fund its growth from our own domestic funding,” she added.
According to Mulinge, the recognition directly addresses a critical challenge facing Uganda’s economic aspirations: the low ratio of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to tax revenue.
Mulinge, who was handed the accolade by Mr. John Musinguzi Rujoki, the Commissioner General of URA, pointed out that Uganda’s GDP-to-tax ratio currently remains low at 14%. “To accelerate its path into a high middle-income state, the nation must significantly enhance domestic resource mobilisation,” she noted.
MTN Uganda’s consistent compliance and substantial contribution position the private sector as an essential engine for financing national growth and infrastructure projects without heavy reliance on external aid.
According to Mulinge, MTN Uganda is not merely a compliant taxpayer; it positions itself as a strategic technology partner in achieving national aspirations. “The company emphasises the role of technology as an enabler to bridge the funding gap and sustain accelerated economic growth,” she revealed.
She explained that by deepening digital inclusion and expanding mobile money services, MTN facilitates billions of shillings in transactions annually, widening the formal tax base and improving efficiency in tax collection, a direct partnership with the URA in modernising the financial system. “Our acceleration into a high middle-income state requires that we play our role; using technology as an enabler to achieve this national aspiration,” Mulinge stated.
In her concluding remarks, Mulinge reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the nation, saying, “We remain steadfast in our dedication to advancing Uganda’s development journey. You can count on us to hold, and progress, our inch!”