The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) is staring at a leadership shake-up following the sudden resignation of Sarah M. Chelangat, the Commissioner for Domestic Taxes.
While the tax body has not publicly revealed the reasons for her departure, insiders point to feelings of under-appreciation, internal bickering, and deep frustrations that had been building for months.
This is not the first time Chelangat threatened to walk away. Just a year ago, she resisted a reassignment to the Tax Investigations Department, saying she lacked experience in that area. She reminded her bosses that she had interviewed for the Domestic Taxes role, where her strength lies, and refused the transfer. The Board gave in then — but sources say she may have only been buying time before making her next move.
Her exit has already shifted the spotlight to Rose Wangwe, a long-serving URA official, who is said to be actively lobbying the Board to take over the position, at least in an acting capacity, as the Authority seeks to steady its most critical department.
Wangwe is no stranger to the system. Sources say she enjoys a close personal and professional relationship with the Commissioner General — a connection that could tip the scales in her favor. Her institutional knowledge and access to top decision-makers have made her a central figure in succession talk.
“Wangwe is seen by some as the natural choice, especially during this transitional period,” one senior official said on condition of anonymity. “She knows the system inside out, and her proximity to the top leadership, in particular the Commissioner General, gives her an edge.”
But not everyone is convinced. Some staff accuse her of relying on a “divide and rule” leadership style, warning that it could weaken already fragile tax teams. Others are throwing their weight behind John Tinka Katungwensi, the Commissioner of the Tax Academy, describing him as a professional officer with strong ties to the Finance Ministry — a factor that could smoothen policy alignment.
For now, the URA Board has remained tight-lipped on the appointment of an acting or substantive Commissioner for Domestic Taxes. But with pressure mounting to keep revenue mobilization on track, a decision is expected sooner rather than later.
If Wangwe lands the role, she would inherit one of URA’s toughest jobs at a time when Uganda’s fiscal stability depends heavily on strong and innovative domestic tax collection.
As one senior insider put it: the coming days could define not just the future of URA’s leadership — but the country’s revenue fortunes.
