KAMPALA, Uganda — The Uganda Revenue Authority is refuting claims that its proposed 2025-26 budget includes 18.2 billion Ugandan shillings for medical expenses.
The tax body says the allocation has been misrepresented in media reports and discussions in Parliament. During a parliamentary session, Kabula County MP Enos Asiimwe sought clarification on whether the funds were earmarked for medicine procurement or medical insurance for URA staff.
URA spokesperson Robert Kalumba rejected the notion that the authority engages in purchasing medicines. “Let’s not mislead citizens. URA has never been in the business of purchasing medicine,” Kalumba said in a message shared on X.
Kalumba explained that the budget is intended for various forms of insurance and compensation, not medical supplies. “The figure in question is allocated for workman’s compensation, motor vehicle insurance, insurance for URA equipment, and physical infrastructure across the country.”
URA attributes the controversy to a misinterpretation of the term “medical expenses” in budget documents. The authority clarified that this classification primarily refers to staff medical insurance and welfare provisions.
A detailed breakdown of the 18.2 billion Ugandan shillings expenditure was issued to counter the misinformation. URA expressed concern over the rapid spread of misinformation, particularly on social media.
The authority urged the public to be cautious when sharing unverified information. With investigations into the source of the misinterpretation ongoing, URA remains committed to ensuring transparency in its budgeting processes and public communication.
