URA tax officer remanded over causing Shs 9bn financial loss

BY URN

KAMPALA-UGANDA/NEWSDAY: A former Uganda Revenue Authority tax officer, Dennis Tumusiime has been remanded to Luzira prison over allegations of causing government a financial loss of over Shs 9 billion.

Tumusiime, 43, was remanded by the Anti Corruption court on Wednesday after being charged with six counts of abuse of office and causing financial loss.

The court heard that as URA tax officer between 2019 and 2021, Tumusiime adjusted and reduced the tax of various companies and individuals without justification – well knowing that his actions would cause government a financial loss. Tumusiime reportedly adjusted the ledgers of Fast Forwarding and Shipping Company Limited from Shs 648,729 to zero.

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The prosecution also contends that between January and December 2020, Tumusiime reduced the tax liability worth Shs 1.1 billion for African Capacity Development and Research Institute, Bageine and Company, Bageine and Company Limited, Brandguard Limited, Flavish Events Limited, J and E Civil Engineering Works Limited, Krystal Concepts Limited, Mass Projects Uganda Limited, Mr Shem Bageine Bajura, Mukasa Couriers Limited, Prime Machinery Limited, Summy Trading International Company Limited, Swisa Enterprises Limited and Twincom Technologies Limited.

It is also alleged that between January and December 2021, Tumusiime reduced tax worth Shs 4.5 billion from goods of Amiancy Investments Company Limited, Arcano Investments Limited, Grand Victoria Limited, Mr Kalungi Godfrey, Mr Robert Blick Migadde, Power Consults Engineering Limited, Prestige Electronics and Computers Limited, Rizwan Trading (U) Limited, Sarjan Construction Uganda Limited, Smartec Electronics Limited and  Taste Buds Limited.

During the same time, Tumusiime is also accused of reducing the tax liabilities of Smartwatch Solutions Limited, Tumbine Enterprises Limited, Mr Abas Kalule, Grand Victoria Limited worth Shs 3.7 billion. According to the prosecution led by Stuart Ahabwe,  the actions of Tumusiime were arbitrary to the interests of his employer, Uganda Revenue Authority. Tumusiime who was being represented by lawyer Diana Kasabiiti pleaded not guilty and has been remanded until April 13 as inquiries continue.