URA, Airtel Money Launch Platform for Tax Payments on the Go

Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), in partnership with Airtel Money, has unveiled a new service that enables Ugandans to pay taxes and government fees directly through the Airtel Money platform.

Customers can access the service by dialing *185#, following the prompts to pay or query a Payment Registration Number (PRN).

The move is aimed at easing tax compliance by allowing individuals and businesses to make payments anytime, anywhere, without leaving their homes or workplaces.

Speaking at the launch, Japhet Aritho, Managing Director of Airtel Mobile Commerce Uganda Limited, hailed the initiative as “long overdue,” noting that it would benefit both individuals and corporate entities.

“This is a service that enables our customers and even corporates to pay taxes and government fees in the convenience of their homes,” Aritho said. “From any part of the country, you can walk into any of our 335,000 agent points, make a deposit, and pay seamlessly. We have set the fees at the lowest possible rate because we want everyone to be able to pay taxes without seeing it as a pain point.”

Aritho added that the platform is a “game changer,” enabling payments for VAT, passports, licenses, and a wide range of other government charges. He also emphasized the role of Airtel’s open API, launched two years ago, in integrating services with partners like URA and Stanbic Bank.

James Odong, URA’s Assistant Commissioner for Enterprise Architecture, said the service builds on an existing partnership with Stanbic Bank, one of the tax body’s largest revenue collectors.

“We have added Airtel Money to simplify tax payments further because anything on mobile can be done anytime, anywhere, at the convenience of the taxpayer,” Odong explained. “We believe as many taxpayers as possible will use this simplified service, and they should have trust that their payments will reach government.”

David Birungi, Airtel’s Manager for Public Relations, underscored the convenience and inclusivity the platform offers.

“Whoever has a SIM card and a phone should be able to interact with government, pay taxes, access services, pay for utilities or buy insurance without having to travel,” Birungi said. “The cost of moving can be high, but with this service, you can do it all from the comfort of your home.”

According to the partners, the integration with URA systems ensures payments are processed securely and instantly, with notifications sent to the tax body upon completion. They expect the service to boost tax compliance and revenue collection throughout the current financial year.