A Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) employee is facing serious legal trouble after being arrested over allegations of impersonation, forgery, fraud and other offences linked to the illegal collection of money from unsuspecting taxpayers. The suspect, identified as Isa Kakooza, works as a fleet assistant at URA and is expected to appear before court to answer multiple charges arising from the alleged scheme.
His arrest followed an intelligence-led operation conducted by URA’s enforcement team in collaboration with the Uganda Police Force. Investigators say the operation was launched after receiving credible information suggesting that an individual was using the authority’s name and identity to extort money from members of the public while posing as a tax officer.
According to preliminary findings, Kakooza allegedly disguised himself as a URA Domestic Taxes officer by wearing a URA uniform and presenting a photocopy of an official identification card. He is accused of approaching business owners and taxpayers, falsely claiming to be conducting tax assessments and demanding payments in cash.
One of the incidents that exposed the alleged fraud occurred in Seeta, where a taxpayer reportedly became suspicious after being assessed and asked to pay Shs80,000 despite not having a Tax Identification Number (TIN). Rather than handing over the money, the taxpayer contacted URA through its whistleblower hotline to verify the process, setting off investigations that eventually uncovered the alleged scheme.
Investigators say the information provided by the taxpayer proved crucial in tracking down the suspect. As enforcement officers and police moved in, Kakooza allegedly attempted to flee but was intercepted and arrested. Authorities say he had been evading investigators before his capture and is now being held pending court proceedings.
The case has since widened, with investigators linking the suspect to several other alleged incidents in different parts of the country. Authorities believe he may have targeted multiple victims through similar methods, including falsely presenting himself as a URA official and soliciting money under the guise of tax-related services.
Officials say the allegations point to a deliberate attempt to exploit the public’s trust in government institutions for personal gain. Investigations are ongoing, and authorities have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges or more victims coming forward as inquiries continue.
URA has used the incident to remind taxpayers to remain alert and only follow official tax procedures. The authority has urged the public never to make unofficial cash payments to individuals claiming to represent URA and to immediately report any suspicious conduct. URA spokesperson Kalumba Robert reiterated the authority’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption, stressing that anyone found abusing the institution’s name or position will face the full force of the law.
