Taxman 6

AskURA
have the services on their phones.
Although launched in 2016, efforts to
develop the application started earlier.
However, they were hindered by the limited
technology and resources at the time.
And when the technology became accessible
and the resources available, the then head
of the Software Engineering section – Ms
Rosemary Kisembo, assembled a team of
application and database developers. This
team worked with the Domestic Taxes’
Process Management team to turn the
taxpayers request to reality.
The idea was driven by the reasons below
1. Mobile phone accessibility is greater
than personal computer accessibility
in Uganda due to the growth of mobile
access (about 35 Million active sim
cards) and affordable smart phones.
For this reason, the team thought it wise
to tap into an avenue where people are
more active so as to reach them.
2. Simplicity and convenience: The learning
curve required for mobile apps is not as
complicated as compared to websites.
3. Accessibility: Since people move with
their phones, with the app, they can
access the URA services from anywhere at
any time.
2- What awards has the App won thus far?
AskURA has so far won two awards.
ACIA awards by Uganda Communications
Commission on May 20, 2016.
The African Tax Administration Forum award
in the customer service category which was
handed to the Commissioner General on
October 2016.
3- What skills (academic qualifications/
specialization) has the app team got?
The app development team is mainly made
of Information Technology (IT) personnel
with skills in software development,
database management, IT security and IT
infrastructure.
However, this team works in collaboration
“With the modernisation
drive that kicked off in 2005,
URA changed from manual
to full automation.”
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