Accountant accused of sh714m tax evasion released on bail

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An accountant accused of using a fake Tax Identification Number (TIN) to allegedly evade taxes amounting to over sh714m has been granted bail.

On September 24, 2024, the Nakasero-based Anti-Corruption Court, presided over by chief magistrate Joan Aciro, granted bail to Peter Byaruhanga.

Byaruhanga, identified only as an accountant and a resident of Namusera village in Wakiso district, faces 10 counts related to the use of a false TIN and making false statements to a tax officer, contrary to sections 66(2) and 67(1) of the Tax Procedures Act.

The prosecution alleges that between December 2019 and April 2023, at Discover Plaza, William Street, Kampala, Byaruhanga, while in charge of the TIN and password for Jasem Agencies Ltd, fraudulently used the TIN to generate invoices for purported purchases from various companies. The TIN included La Top Shopping Point Ltd, Rhema Supermarket Uganda Ltd, National Water and Sewerage Corporation, Family Hardware Ltd, Global Wide, Sameera, Kiboko Enterprises Ltd, Robanne Uganda Ltd, Dharamsy Moraji and Sons Ltd and Energy Links.

Other companies that Byaruhanga allegedly used were Property Services Limited, Uganda Baati Limited, Multi Bulk Forwarders Limited, Byanfuma Motor Co. Limited, Reach Communication Solution Limited, Skenya Motors Uganda, City Oil Uganda Limited, Dreifach Parts Solutions Limited, Maserina Assorted, Dembe Trading Enterprises Limited, Zenith, Tata Uganda Limited, GM Motors, MHK Agencies Limited, Great Lakes Brands Limited, Seeta General Stores Limited, Prime General Spares Items Limited, Transavilles Motor Parts, Dreifach Parts Solutions, and Couriers. The total alleged fraudulent transactions amounted to sh2.9b, with a tax liability of sh714m. I have denied the charges.

It is further alleged that, on various dates in Kampala, Byaruhanga made false statements to a tax officer, claiming that he had purchased goods in connection with Value Added Tax (VAT).

Byaruhanga was released on a cash bail of sh10m and his three sureties are to execute a bond of sh80m

Magistrate Aciro ruled that the sureties presented by Byaruhanga were substantial and met the bail terms, to be granted bail. URA litigation officers, Thomas Davis Lomuria and Stella Nayebare, informed the court that investigations are still ongoing and asked for more time to conclude inquiries.