Two students from the National University of Rwanda (NUR) Thursday emerged winners of an inter-universities tax competition that was organised by Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA).

Officials say that this initiative aims at educating the future generation about the value of taxes for economic development of the country.

Samuel Ndayishimiye and Evode Uwanyiringira both students of accounts beat the other participants after presenting well researched reports on issues concerning taxation of small and medium enterprises.

"We were tasked to identify ways of how to improve taxation of this sector while ensuring their business growth. We came up with a good research report and our response to questions raised during the presentation also made us winners,” Uwanyiringira said with a smile.

They both walked away with a cash prize of Rwf300, 000, certificates and other gifts.

NUR came top in the competition; Kigali Institute of Education emerged second and won Rwf200,000 while the Adventist University of Central Africa took the third position with Rwf100,000.  School of Finance and Banking and the Kigali Independent University took fourth and fifth positions respectively.

The RRA Deputy Commissioner General, Eugene Torero was impressed by the informative research reports that were presented by all participants, adding that these will be used by the tax body to make future decisions.

"As tomorrow’s tax consultants, payers and business people, you have already shown that you have a clear understanding of the value of taxation to nation building. Be good ambassadors of the tax administration and educate others about this obligation.”

"This way we will partner to increase the levels of compliance among taxpayers a strong stride towards economic independence,” he advised.

Tax competitions have previously been held for secondary schools. This is the first inter-university competition.

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