Kampala. Uganda’s Cabinet has approved the use of the National Identification Number (NIN) issued by the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) as the Tax Identification Number (TIN) for all taxpayers every taxpayer.
The decision was reached during the Cabinet meeting held on Monday, August 31 2026 at State House Entebbe. ICT and National Guidance Minister Justine Kasule Lumumba announced the resolution on Tuesday while briefing journalists at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala.
For years Uganda has operated a largely manual TIN system managed by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA). While the system served its purpose government officials say it has resulted in inconsistent records creating weaknesses in data accuracy, tax compliance and service delivery and failing to fully integrate the NIN.
By adopting the NIN as the tax identification number we are establishing one identity for every taxpayer Lumumba said. This will improve the accuracy of our taxpayer register strengthen our ability to identify and trace taxpayers and make our data systems work together. It will help us improve compliance reduce revenue leakage and make it simpler for citizens to register and communicate with the tax authorities.
Under the arrangement the NIN will replace the traditional standalone TIN for individuals. Non-individuals will continue to use their Business Registration Number (BRN) issued by the Uganda Registration Services Bureau. The reform is expected to create a verified identity framework that links national identification data with tax administration.
Government officials argue that the previous dual system made it easier for income and certain economic activities to escape taxation. Integrating the NIN is designed to close these gaps improve tracking of taxpayers and give authorities visibility into economic activities, including income earned outside Uganda.
The move builds on legal reforms under the Tax Procedures Code (Amendment) Act, which provided for the use of the NIN as a tax identifier. URA had already begun requiring taxpayers to update their registration details to include NIN or BRN information. Cabinet’s formal approval now solidifies the policy direction. Paves the way for full implementation.
Beyond revenue collection the decision is expected to strengthen Uganda’s national identification system. A unified identity will make it easier for citizens to interact with government services using one number reducing duplication and improving the efficiency of public administration.
Lumumba emphasised that the reform is not about collecting more taxes but also about building a reliable foundation for planning and delivering government programmes more effectively.
As the country moves to implement the change taxpayers will be required to ensure their NIN details are correctly linked to their tax accounts. URA is expected to issue guidance on the transition process in the coming weeks.
The approval marks another step, in Uganda’s digital transformation and efforts to modernise public finance management. Officials believe the single-identity approach will enhance transparency reduce burdens and support stronger domestic revenue mobilisation in the years ahead.