Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) collected Rwf26.2 billion in domestic taxes from Eastern Province in 2018/19, representing a 23.6 per cent increase from the previous year 2017/18.

The additional Rwf5 billion collected also means that the taxman was able to surpass the target for last fiscal year by 9.4 per cent.

RRA had planned to collect Rwf23.9 billion from the region during that period.

This was announced Wednesday during a taxpayers’ appreciation day event in Bugesera District.

It was part of a series of events designed to show gratitude to loyal taxpayers, who officials said play a significant role in the country’s development effort.

The event for the Eastern region was presided over by the Minister for ICT and Innovation, Paula Ingabire.

RRA targets to collect Rwf29.3 billion in domestic taxes from the province this fiscal year (2019/2020).

"This is a day of reflection,” said Private Sector Federation (PSF) chairman for Eastern Province, Jean Bosco Ndungutse. He noted that the event was also an opportunity to take stock of the work that lies ahead in terms of national development goals.

Deputy Commissioner General of Rwanda Revenue Authority, Agnes Kanyangeyo. Courtesy photo

Agnes Kanyangeyo, the Deputy Commissioner of Rwanda Revenue Authority, said: "Taxpayers’ Appreciation Day is an occasion to show taxpayers what we have accomplished together. It is also an opportunity to underline the partnership between RRA, the private sector, and other players in nation-building.”

Fred Mufulukye, Governor, Eastern Province, called on residents to help fight smuggling and tax evasion, which he said affects national development.

He said the Government will continue to provide an environment that allows for businesses to thrive, encouraging citizens to play their part as well, including paying taxes as required by law.

The governor outlined a number of projects in the province that have been undertaken as a result of increased tax revenues, including the rehabilitation of the 208km Kagitumba-Kayonza-Rusomo highway and construction of three football stadiums worth Rwf9 billion each.

"When we all play our part the country develops fast,” he said, recalling that in the fiscal year 2011/12 the province was only able to raise Rwf9 billion in taxes – about a third of what it is able to raise at the moment.

Minister Ingabire said it’s through tax compliance that Rwanda will be able to achieve its goal of becoming a self-reliant country.

If we stay the course, she said, "we will achieve all our development objectives”.

She cited some of the recent initiatives designed to help boost compliance, including adoption of Electronic Billing Machines,  (EBM), rollout of online declaration and tax payment systems, and facilitating taxpayers achieve their objectives, among others.

At the national level, RRA collected Rwf1,422.9 billion in 2018/19, representing 102.2 per cent achievement of their target.

Minister of ICT and Innovation, Paula Ingabire. Courtesy photo

Eastern Province Governor Fred Mufulukye addressing the participants gathered at the event. Courtesy photo

Governor Fred Mufulukye congratulating one of the best taxpayers at the Taxpayers' Appreciation Day in Eastern Province

Jean Bosco Ndungutse, Chairman of Private Sector Federation in Eastern Province