KAMPALA - Uganda is this week set to host the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) which is expected to take place on Thursday 19 November, signalling a new direction for tax administration in Africa.

This was revealed yesterday by the Commissioner General Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) Allen Kagina while briefing journalists at the Uganda Media centre in Kampala.

Kagina said the forum emerged following deliberations between African Tax Commissioners and senior officials from 28 countries, together different development partners who met in Pretoria, South Africa in 2008, where the idea of ATAF was mooted.

"The formation of a continental tax administration forum reflects a new approach and thinking on tax in Africa,” said Kagina.

"Taxation is increasingly being viewed as essential to sustainable development. One of the most pressing issues faced by the continent is to embark on a path to free African countries from foreign assistance dependence and indebtedness,” said Kagina.

ATAF is a platform that promotes and facilitates mutual cooperation among African Tax Administrations and other interested stakeholders with the aim of improving efficacy of their tax legislation and administrations.

To date, 23 countries have signed up for membership and will be working towards establishing good governance and revenue mobilisation whilst sharing experiences.

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