Local Gov’ts Urged to Adopt Use of IRAS as Kumi Registers Increase in Revenue Collections

Local Government leaders across the country have been encouraged to use the Integrated Revenue Administration System – IRAS in order to avert revenue collection linkages.

Speaking during the District leader’s dialogue organized by Action Aid Uganda at Akello Hotel in Soroti City on November 29, 2022, Senior Financial Analyst at Local Government Finance Commission Roy Robert Apegu says IRAS is a game changer which if well implemented will enhance revenue collections across the country.

He notes that the advancements of IRAS are likely to grow contributions to the budget to about 50% over the years.

“Digitalization can enable local governments to achieve the vision of modern local revenue and tax administration and management. Local Governments need to develop and embrace a proper holistic vision and strategy on local revenue with clear implementation plan to enhance digitalization,” said Apegu.

Peter Wandera the Kumi District Chief Finance Officer while presenting on the status of IRAS in Kumi said that the IRAS model has helped the district in improving its revenue collections and minimize leakages.

He notes that Kumi has registered a sharp increase on revenue collections from initial Uganda Shillings 1,300,000 in July to 31,300,000shs as at November 29, 2022.

According to Wandera that IRAS has helped the district in identifying revenue linkages and eliminating over dependency.

Sam Acellam the Action Aid Program Officer is expectant that the regional dialogue with district leaders will yield fruits in minimizing revenue linkages in the local government revenue collection.

He also challenged politicians to join hands with development partners and government in the implementation of IRAS.

The dialogue was attended by CAOs and CFOs of Katakwi, Kumi, Bukedea, Pallisa, Kibuku, Namutumba, Kapchorwa, Kween and Bukwo.

The Integrated Revenue Administration System (IRAS) is a web and mobile application platform that aids cities, districts and municipalities in collection of local revenue from registration, assessment, billing, payment sensitization of taxpayers and linking the citizens to municipalities.