The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has hosted the first East African Revenue Authorities Chief Audit Executives Forum in Kampala, bringing together senior internal auditors to strengthen oversight of public revenue.
The three-day meeting, held at Mestil Hotel in Kampala under the theme “From Dialogue to Action,” aims to deepen regional cooperation in protecting revenue systems. Delegates from the revenue authorities of Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan and Uganda are attending the forum. They are sharing experiences and exploring joint responses to emerging risks.
Speaking at the launch, URA Commissioner General John Musinguzi Rujoki said revenue administrations face growing threats as economies become more digital and interconnected.
“As our economies become more digital and interconnected, the risks to revenue are expanding just as rapidly,” Musinguzi said, adding that “Internal audit must evolve into a forward-looking, risk-driven capability that actively safeguards revenue and strengthens institutional performance.”
In a message delivered by Susan Nakagolo, principal economist at the Ministry of Finance, Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury Ramathan Ggoobi said internal audit plays a central role in maintaining strong public financial systems.
“The effectiveness of internal audit has a direct bearing on the reliability of systems and the overall strength of public institutions,” Ggoobi said.
URA Commissioner Internal Audit Herbert Rusoke said rapid digital transformation and increased cross-border trade have created complex fraud risks. He said auditors must build resilient systems through shared experience. Kenya Revenue Authority Deputy Commissioner Internal Audit Phares Chege urged auditors to show professional courage and resist pressure when they detect revenue leakages.
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