MJAMR

Taxation and its impact on economic growth in Uganda. A case study Of Kamapala District

Ariyo Gracious Kazaara


Abstract

This research paper aims to empirically analyze the interlinkages between taxation policies implemented by the government and macroeconomic performance trends observed within the key district of Kampala, Uganda over the past decade from 2010 through 2020. Utilizing an array of time series data procured from reliable sources such as the Uganda Revenue Authority and Uganda Bureau of Statistics, a rigorous analytical methodology is undertaken leveraging statistical software programs SPSS and Stata to identify relationships between quarterly tax revenue aggregates, real gross domestic product, sectoral output indicators, and assorted control variables through descriptive statistics, bivariate correlations, multivariate regression modeling techniques including ordinary least squares, two stage least squares, and vector autoregression while accounting for potential endogeneity and serial correlation concerns. The results provide robust evidence that prudent, business friendly tax systems played an indispensable role in facilitating Kampala's dramatic transformation into one of Sub-Saharan Africa's fastest growing regional hubs amid continuous expansion of total tax proceeds and robust synchronization with macroeconomic indicators. However, the analysis also exposes critical challenges constraining optimal impact such as overdependence on indirect taxes vulnerable to external shocks, rampant noncompliance amid lax enforcement, disproportionate incentive schemes lacking transparency, and deficiencies in public services partly attributable to chronic revenue shortfalls. The tax compliance burden had a moderately strong positive correlation of 0.545 with tax rates adopted in the economy. This correlation was statistically significant at the 1% level. It implied that higher tax rates tend to increase the paperwork and compliance costs borne by taxpayers. Simplification of complex tax codes and rationalization of tax rates could help reduce such administrative onus on businesses and individuals. Hence, the paper concludes by recommending strategic policy reforms centered on broadening the tax base, strengthening administration, rationalizing incentives, and prioritizing efficient social spending to maximize sustainable, inclusive development opportunities through Uganda's principal taxation framework serving as an instructive case study.

Keywords

GDP tax rates tax compliance burden and debt sustainability
Metropolitan Journal of Academic Multidisciplinary Research

Cite This Article

Ariyo Gracious Kazaara (2024). Taxation and its impact on economic growth in Uganda. A case study Of Kamapala District. Metropolitan Journal of Academic Multidisciplinary Research, 3(2). https://journals.miu.ac.ug/pages/article.php?article_id=1703

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