Uganda Shifts to NIN for Tax Registration, Unveils Local Security Printing Facility to Boost Revenue and Self-Reliance
Kampala, Uganda – The Ugandan government has announced a major structural shift in its tax administration and security infrastructure, transitioning from Tax Identification Numbers (TIN) to National Identification Numbers (NIN) for tax registration. The reforms, unveiled during the three-day “My Identity Expo 2026” at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, aim to curb tax evasion, reduce duplication, and elevate the country’s tax-to-GDP ratio from approximately 14% to 20% by the fiscal year 2029/30.
Speaking at the expo, Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) Commissioner General John Musinguzi stated that the move to NIN will significantly streamline tax administration and combat evasion. As part of the reform, the URA will also initiate nationwide registration of businesses utilizing applicants’ fingerprints. The initiative was officially launched by Internal Affairs Minister Ephraim Kamuntu.
The push for a broader tax base was further emphasized during a recent URA engagement with Parliamentary committees. Lawmakers were urged to support measures that bring more eligible economic activity into the formal tax system, noting that the answer to revenue shortfalls “cannot simply be higher tax rates.”
“We cannot achieve 20% by continuously taxing the same people more,” the statement read. Additional revenue is expected to come from economic growth, formalisation, improved compliance, better administration of existing taxes, taxation of emerging economic activity, and the reduction of revenue leakages.
Local Security Printing to Save Foreign Exchange
In a parallel development aimed at cutting foreign reliance and saving foreign exchange, officials unveiled a near-complete security printing facility in Entebbe. According to Abdul Nsubuga, Projects Implementation Manager at the Uganda Security Printing Company (USPC), the facility is set to begin producing passports, national IDs, and ballot papers locally by 2028, with currency production to follow. The construction of the facility commenced in 2022.
Nsubuga highlighted the massive financial drain caused by outsourcing document production abroad, noting that local manufacturing will significantly bolster the country’s economic sovereignty.
Tied to a $500 Billion Economy Ambition
Both the tax reforms and the local printing initiatives are intrinsically linked to Uganda’s broader economic goals. The government is targeting a US$500 billion economy under its Tenfold Growth Strategy.
During the parliamentary engagement, it was stressed that Uganda cannot build this economy indefinitely on borrowed resources. MPs were called upon to protect the tax base, support formalisation and digitalisation, enhance information sharing, strengthen accountability, and promote tax compliance.
By shifting to NIN, bringing tax administration into the digital age, and localizing the production of critical security documents, Uganda is positioning itself to strengthen fiscal self-reliance and reduce its dependence on external borrowing.
About The Author
