Watoto Childcare Ministries tops URA list of compliant taxpayers

URA Commissioner General, Mrs Doris Akol

Watoto Childcare Ministries has topped Uganda Revenue Authority’s (URA) list of 20 faith-based organisations that have above all else fulfilled their obligation of paying taxes.

The revenue collection agency has through its Commissioner General, Doris Akol revealed in a press release that appeared in one state aided newspaper that Watoto Childcare Ministries, The Registered Trustees of Kampala Archdiocese Catholic Relief Services, The Registered Trustees of the Uganda Episcopal Conference and Watoto Church Limited among others, have remained tax compliant for the financial year 2016/17.

“URA appreciates you for you are the faith denominations that have above all else fulfilled the obligation that says; Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” Ms Akol said.

According to Patricia Ochol, the public relations officer of Watoto, the church audited financial statements are always presented at an annual general meeting, which is open to the public, every April.

“We are a Bible-based church that recognises the practice of paying tithe and offertory by the voluntary membership. The Church returns its tithe (10%) annually on the tithe and offering received to the Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAG), to which it is affiliated. Our financial statements are prepared annually after a comprehensive assessment by independent auditors – currently PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC).” Ms Patricia Ochol recently told media reporters.

“The financial reports are compliant with International Financial Reporting Standards, under the historical cost convention. Our income includes tithe, offertory and donations received during the financial year. The church is a faith based organisation and is, therefore, exempt from income tax under the Uganda Income Tax Act. ” She added.

Full list as released by URA;