The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has agreed to remove its controversial container office in Kikuubo following mounting public pressure and accusations of double standards during recent city clean-up operations.
The decision comes days after the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), working with police, carried out an enforcement exercise that cleared roadside vendors and kiosks from various parts of Kampala’s Central Business District.
Public outrage erupted when URA’s container office in Kikuubo was left untouched while other informal structures were demolished.
The controversy gained momentum after journalist Sudhir Byarugaba questioned why URA had been spared. Writing on X, he argued that the tax authority has the capacity to rent space in nearby buildings and should comply with the same standards imposed on vendors.
“If vendors have been directed to relocate to gazetted markets, URA should equally comply,” he said, warning against what he described as inconsistent enforcement.
The criticism was echoed by Balaam Barugahara, Minister of State for Children and Youth Affairs, who called for fairness and consistency.
“For the sake of fairness and consistency, the container currently placed in the area should be removed. Otherwise, the public may perceive double standards,” he stated.
In its initial response, URA defended the facility, describing it as a fully functional tax support centre aimed at improving accessibility for taxpayers in the busy commercial hub.
“The ‘container’ is a fully functional tax office that is key in tax education, awareness, and handling tax-related inquiries. Its location is strategic,” URA said.
However, the explanation failed to calm public anger, with many insisting that the law should apply equally to all institutions.
On Sunday evening, URA Commissioner General John Musinguzi announced that the authority would remove the temporary tax office by close of business on Monday, February 23, 2026.
“URA salutes KCCA for the good work being done in the city. The temporary tax office in Kikuubo has served its purpose and will be removed by COB tomorrow 23/02/26,” he wrote on X.
He added that taxpayer services previously offered at the container would be relocated to URA’s new Taxpayer Support Centre at Pearl Towers along Kintante Road, pending the establishment of a closer office within the CBD near Kikuubo. He also apologized for the anxiety caused by the debate.
Last Thursday, KCCA, with support from security agencies, enforced a city-wide operation targeting vendors operating along streets and road reserves.
According to KCCA, government markets — including Usafi, Busega, Nakawa, Luzira, New Ntinda, Kamwokya and Nateete — have more than 2,500 available spaces to accommodate relocated traders.
