KAMPALA, UGANDA — The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has named Denis Kugonza Kateeba as the new Commissioner for Domestic Taxes, a critical role tasked with driving revenue collection to meet Uganda’s ambitious fiscal targets.
Kugonza steps into the position at a pivotal time, following a record Shs 21.25 trillion in domestic tax collections during the 2024/25 financial year. The department now faces an even higher revenue target of Shs 33.18 trillion for 2025/26, underscoring the strategic importance of his appointment.
A Fellow Chartered Certified Accountant, Kugonza brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in tax enforcement and reform. Most recently serving as Commissioner for Tax Investigations, he led the development of high-risk sector audit units and played a key role in the implementation of the 2023 Automatic Exchange of Information law a move that strengthened transparency and cross-border tax compliance.
Described by URA officials as a “homecoming,” Kugonza began his career in the Domestic Taxes department in 2005. He later held senior financial roles at the Uganda National Roads Authority and NAADS, and also worked internationally as an external auditor in the United Kingdom.
In his new role, Kugonza is expected to focus on digitising tax systems, expanding the taxpayer register, and improving compliance to maintain double-digit growth in revenue. His leadership style marked by collaboration, integrity, and a reform-driven approach is seen as crucial to Uganda’s broader goal of enhancing domestic revenue mobilisation and reducing reliance on external borrowing.
URA officials say Kugonza's zero-tolerance stance on corruption and strong policy background make him well-positioned to lead the department into its next phase of growth and innovation.