Mr. John Rujoki Musinguzi, the Commissioner General of Uganda Revenue Authority, has been honored with the prestigious Abeto Africa Award for his remarkable contributions to the nation’s development.

The award ceremony was graced by Hon. Betty Among, the Minister for Gender, Labor, and Social Development, who celebrated the hard work and dedication of various awardees in advancing Uganda’s progress.

Hon. Among emphasized the significance of co-existence and tolerance as fundamental pillars for the country’s growth. She highlighted that Uganda’s Constitution was crafted to promote harmony among all segments of society, including gender, religion, tribe, and race. Each individual present at the ceremony was urged to uphold tolerance and non-discrimination at a personal level to foster a united and inclusive society.

The Abeto Africa Award is a recognition of Pan-African leaders who advocate for peace and tolerance and was established in 1995 following the Queen of England’s call for tolerance in Harare. Being included alongside renowned figures such as Nelson Mandela, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and Julius Mwarimu Nyerere, who have previously received this prestigious award, is a great honor.

In his acceptance speech, Commissioner General Musinguzi dedicated the award to the tax collectors of Uganda and expressed his commitment to expanding the number of taxpayers through fostering tolerance and peace. He expressed gratitude for the recognition and humbly acknowledged the accomplishments of the Uganda Revenue Authority over the past three years, achieving double-digit revenue growth. In the most recent financial year, revenue collection increased by 16.7%, amounting to approximately Ugx 5 Trillion. The Commissioner General’s goal is to continue promoting tolerance and peace while encouraging more taxpayers to contribute their fair share towards the nation’s development.

Moses Musana, the founder of Always Be Tolerant Organization, and Dr. Livingstone Sewanyana, the Founder and Executive Director of the Foundation for Human Rights Initiative, commended Musinguzi’s leadership in achieving Uganda’s economic independence through effective revenue collection and remittance.

Dr. Livingstone Sewanyana emphasized that understanding the purpose behind tax collection and ensuring equitable distribution of the tax burden are crucial aspects of successful revenue collection. He stressed that tax collection plays a significant role in eradicating poverty and promoting human rights, underscoring the importance of the service tax collectors provide to the public.

The Abeto Africa Award ceremony also recognized other notable recipients from Uganda this year, including Hon. Dr. Ruth Nankabirwa Sentamu, Godfrey Kirumira Kalule, Lady Justice Francis Abodo, Dr. Babilega Akankwasa, Dr. Kiyaga Charles, and Dr. Johnson Byabashaija, each of whom has made significant contributions to the country’s progress.

The event highlighted the commendable efforts of these individuals in fostering unity, tolerance, and peace in Uganda, ultimately contributing to the nation’s growth and development.