By Diana.N.Kintu
The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) in partnership with MTN Mobile Money has unveiled an upgraded digital service that allows taxpayers to access a wider range of tax and government payments directly through the MTN MoMo platform. The enhanced service was officially launched on Monday at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala and is now available nationwide via the shortcode *165#.
The initiative is designed to simplify the tax compliance process by providing what both institutions describe as a faster, simpler, and more secure way to meet tax obligations using a mobile phone. By expanding the URA menu on the MTN MoMo platform, the service aims to reduce the need for physical visits to tax offices or banking halls, thereby saving time for individuals and businesses alike.
In a joint statement, URA and MTN highlighted that the solution is expected to ease compliance, enhance convenience for taxpayers, and help reduce congestion at traditional service points. The upgrade is part of a broader effort to digitise public service delivery in Uganda and promote financial inclusion through technology.
MTN MoMo Managing Director, Richard Yego, emphasised the platform’s role as a digital payments partner for government services. “MTN MoMo continues to play a critical role in enabling secure, accessible and efficient digital payments across Uganda,” Yego said. “By enhancing URA services on *165#, we are making it easier for individuals and businesses to meet their tax obligations anytime, anywhere.”
URA Commissioner General, John Musinguzi Rujoki, also welcomed the launch, noting that the upgrade supports the authority’s goal of improving voluntary compliance. “Our goal is to make tax compliance as simple and convenient as possible for all taxpayers,” he said. “Enhancing URA services on MTN MoMo brings us closer to the people, reduces compliance barriers, and supports our broader strategy to digitise tax administration.”
The upgraded services allow taxpayers to pay a wide range of taxes, fees, and other government charges directly from their mobile phones. Users can access the new services by dialling *165# and following the URA menu prompts. The expanded functionality includes options for paying Value Added Tax (VAT), Pay As You Earn (PAYE), corporate taxes, and other statutory fees, offering greater flexibility for both individual and corporate taxpayers.
With millions of active users across Uganda, MTN MoMo is one of the country’s most widely used digital payment platforms. The integration of enhanced URA services is seen as a step towards strengthening the connection between government and digital financial systems, promoting both financial inclusion and efficient public service delivery. Experts suggest that the move could significantly improve compliance rates by making tax payments more accessible and reducing administrative bottlenecks.
This collaboration between URA and MTN reflects a growing trend in leveraging technology to streamline public services. By adopting mobile-based solutions, the government aims to reduce bureaucracy, improve transparency, and enhance citizen convenience. The initiative also demonstrates the potential of digital financial platforms to act as tools for economic empowerment and public sector efficiency.
As digital payments continue to gain traction in Uganda, the enhanced URA services on MTN MoMo are expected to transform the way taxpayers interact with government institutions, making compliance simpler, faster, and more secure. Officials urge all eligible taxpayers to take advantage of the service to ensure timely and hassle-free payment of taxes.