Uganda's Tax System Simplified: NIN to Replace TIN for Individuals

Uganda is streamlining its tax system by replacing individual Tax Identification Numbers (TINs) with National Identification Numbers (NINs). This significant reform, approved by Cabinet on September 1, 2026, aims to simplify tax processes for citizens and enhance the government’s ability to collect revenue.

The legal groundwork for this transition has been laid through the 2025 amendment to the Tax Procedures Code Act. Under the new directive, individuals will no longer need a separate TIN to file their taxes. The NIN will now serve as a unified identifier for both citizenship and tax-related matters, eliminating the need for multiple identification documents.

Authorities anticipate that this integration will reduce duplication, make it easier for citizens to access government services, and prove effective in curbing tax evasion. Claire Ollama from the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) highlighted that the reform is expected to not only ease tax compliance but also improve overall service delivery.

NIRA is urging citizens who haven’t yet collected their National Identification Cards to do so promptly, as the NIN will become increasingly crucial for accessing essential services. These services include tax payments, passport applications, and property registration. NIRA has registered 36.1 million Ugandans to date and encourages parents to register their children early to obtain their NINs by age 16.

To ensure wider accessibility, NIRA has deployed registration officers to home districts and reiterated that the registration process remains free of charge. For assistance, the public can contact NIRA’s toll-free line at 0800211700.

Source: Nile Post