According to the article published by the Daily Monitor, Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) is set to introduce body-worn cameras to tackle corruption and improve revenue collection efforts.
The move is aimed at preventing situations that could compromise URA officers and reduce transparency during operations such as stop-and-search incidents or interactions with taxpayers.
The small video cameras will be worn on the chest or shoulder lapel of tax collectors while they are in the field. They will monitor and record ongoing transactions and operations, making it easier to know where officers are and what they are doing. The forward-facing cameras can also be worn on hats or eyeglasses, providing flexibility in their use.
The Director for Economy Affairs at the Ministry of Finance, Mr Moses Kaggwa, in an interview with the Daily Monitor stated that the cameras would increase transparency and reduce the chances of officers being compromised or compromising taxpayers.
He added that body-worn cameras could be used in any setting where it is necessary to deter anti-social behaviour and crime or to safeguard personnel against accusations of misconduct.
The deployment of body-worn cameras is a positive step towards promoting accountability and transparency in revenue collection efforts. It is hoped that the move will deter corrupt practices and improve revenue collection in Uganda.
Additional Reporting by Daily Monitor
