The government has approved a plan to phase out separate Tax Identification Numbers (TINs) for individual taxpayers and replace them with the National Identification Number (NIN).
Under the new arrangement, a person’s NIN will also serve as their tax identification number, reducing the need for individuals to register and maintain two separate identification numbers.
The development was announced by ICT and National Guidance Minister Justine Kasule Lumumba, who said the decision is aimed at creating a more unified and efficient system for identifying taxpayers.
According to the government, using the NIN as the main tax identification number is expected to improve the accuracy of taxpayer information and make it easier for relevant government institutions to share and verify records.
The move could also simplify some processes for Ugandans who previously had to apply for a separate TIN in addition to having a national identification number.
Government believes that linking tax records directly to the national identification system will strengthen tax administration, improve compliance and reduce cases of duplicated or inaccurate taxpayer information.
The transition is part of the broader effort to digitise government services and establish a more connected system in which different public institutions can work with consistent and reliable identification records.
While further details on how the transition will be implemented are expected, the decision marks a significant change in the way individual taxpayers will be identified in Uganda.
