Justice Kiryabwire Cautions New Tax Tribunal Members Against Greed and Corruption

Justice Geoffrey Kiryabwire cautioned four new members of Uganda’s Tax Appeals Tribunal (TAT) against the dangers of greed, calling the ‘love of money’ a primary cause of corruption and unethical behavior.

The newly appointed members—Kenneth Bagamuhunda, Rebecca Nsumba, Edward Biryetega, and Gerald Kakima—were sworn in during a ceremony presided over by Justice Kiryabwire. He stressed that their roles mirror judicial functions, requiring them to uphold high integrity standards from their oath of service.

Kiryabwire advised prioritizing case resolutions through consensus and persuasion, avoiding confrontations. He noted that decisions leading to appeals signal process failures and urged fair rulings to minimize dissatisfaction.

TAT Chairperson Crystal Kabajwara highlighted the immense responsibility, as members will handle disputes involving billions of shillings over three years. She praised the new members’ expertise: Bagamuhunda from EAC Customs, Nsumba with 30 years in tax, Biryetega over 20 years, and Kakima with 10 years in accounting and tax.

Kabajwara reminded them to remain impartial and fearless, shaping tax policy and taxpayer behavior with fairness. She called their role a public trust demanding humility and accountability, with the nation watching closely.

The new members join existing ones including Chairperson Kabajwara, Christine Katwe, Siraj Ali, Rebecca Nambi, and Stella Nyapendi.

Source: Daily Monitor