Members of Parliament on the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) have expressed concern over reports of staff resignations at the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), urging management to address grievances in order to maintain a stable and harmonious working environment.
The issue came up on September 3, 2025, during an interface with URA officials who had appeared before the committee to respond to queries raised in the December 2024 Auditor General’s report.
Naome Kabasharira, the Rushenyi County MP, appealed to the tax body to pay closer attention to staff welfare, warning that unaddressed grievances could affect performance.
Committee chairperson Medard Lubega Sseggona pressed the Commissioner General, John Musinguzi, to explain media reports pointing to widespread resignations among commissioners and other senior staff.
“We have been reading that you are being a bad employer and the reports have been pointing over resignations that have rocked Uganda Revenue Authority. Are you a bad employer? Because if the turnover is as we read it, that the number of commissioners has thrown in…would you also tell this parliament why you are such a bad employer?” Sseggona asked.
Fred Kayondo, the Mukono North legislator, also weighed in, questioning why the resignations appear to be more pronounced during Musinguzi’s tenure. “Your reign has been characterised by a lot of resignations. People were fighting to join URA, but now many are leaving. Don’t you think you need to align that side?” he wondered.
In response, Musinguzi dismissed claims of a staff exodus, insisting that those who had left the institution did so out of free will in pursuit of better opportunities. He cited the recent resignation of the Commissioner for Domestic Taxes, who he said had joined one of the “big four” international firms as a partner.
“I think the news, as far as I know, we have only had one commissioner who has resigned recently, and she has gone for greener pastures. Even in the past, people at that level always go for better opportunities. We wish her well because, in their career, that is the highest achievement one can make,” Musinguzi told the committee.
Source:Parliament Watch