UGANDA, Kampala | Real Muloodi News | The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has announced plans to rent new office space in Kampala after its 22-storey headquarters in Nakawa reached maximum capacity.
The decision comes six years after the completion of the URA Tower, which was built to consolidate all departments under one roof and reduce rental expenses. However, officials say the tax agency has since experienced rapid growth in staff and operations, forcing it to seek additional space once again.
According to URA spokesperson Robert Kalumba, several departments — including the Large Taxpayers Office, Public Sector and Medium Taxpayer divisions, the Risk and Strategy Department, and the Petroleum Unit — will relocate to Pearl Tower on Yusuf Lule Road beginning October 20, 2025.
Kalumba said the relocation will improve efficiency and accommodate new staff recruited to enhance service delivery. “The authority has expanded significantly in recent years, especially in specialized areas such as oil and gas taxation, which require more space and dedicated personnel,” he said.
The URA Tower, commissioned in 2019 at a cost of approximately USh140 billion, was designed to host around 2,000 employees. Current staff numbers now exceed 3,000, putting pressure on existing workspaces. Officials confirmed that the building can no longer hold all departments without compromising functionality.
Analysts have noted that returning to rented offices could cost taxpayers an additional USh18 billion annually, depending on lease terms. However, URA maintains that renting space is a temporary measure as it reassesses its infrastructure needs and explores long-term solutions.
URA emphasized that services will continue uninterrupted during the relocation process. The authority plans a phased transition to minimize disruptions for clients, particularly in the central business district, where the new offices are located.
“The move ensures our teams remain accessible to taxpayers while maintaining operational efficiency,” Kalumba said.
The URA has pledged to prioritize cost-effectiveness and accountability during the transition as it works to improve taxpayer engagement and compliance across Uganda.
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