MTN Mobile Money (U) Limited, in collaboration with the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), has unveiled a major upgrade to tax and government payment services on the MTN MoMo platform, making tax compliance simpler, faster, and more accessible for both individuals and businesses nationwide.

The enhanced services, officially launched at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala, are now live across the country. Taxpayers can access the upgraded features by dialling 165*18# on the MTN MoMo consumer menu and selecting the URA option. This allows payments for taxes, licences, fees, and other government obligations directly from their mobile phones, eliminating the need for physical visits to tax offices or banks.

By integrating key URA payment services into the mobile money ecosystem, the initiative supports secure, efficient, and convenient digital transactions. It also strengthens URA’s broader goal of modernizing tax administration and promoting voluntary compliance.

Speaking at the launch, MTN MoMo Managing Director Richard Yego said:
“MTN MoMo continues to play a critical role in enabling secure, accessible and efficient digital payments across Uganda. By enhancing URA services on 165*18#, we are making it easier for individuals and businesses to meet their tax obligations anytime, anywhere. This partnership demonstrates our commitment to supporting national development through practical, customer-centric digital solutions.”

The upgraded system enables seamless processing of both PRN and non-PRN transactions, addressing previous limitations and supporting high-traffic tax payments. According to URA Commissioner General John Musinguzi Rujoki, the enhancement reflects the authority’s commitment to efficiency, transparency, and inclusivity:
"Our goal is to make tax compliance as simple and convenient as possible for all taxpayers. Enhancing URA services on MTN MoMo brings us closer to the people, reduces compliance barriers, and supports our broader strategy to digitise tax administration while improving efficiency and transparency."

The collaboration comes as MTN MoMo strengthens its role in Uganda’s digital economy, with millions of active users already relying on the platform for everyday payments. The partnership supports a fully integrated Person-to-Government (P2G) and Government-to-Person (G2P) ecosystem, enabling citizens to pay taxes and government fees conveniently while allowing the government to distribute salaries, social protection payments, and relief funds more efficiently.

As highlighted by URA, the new system will further boost revenue collection:
"Ladies and gentlemen, our performance in the first half of the 2025/26 financial year proves that when systems work, compliance follows. During this period, URA collected UGX 15.25 trillion in net revenue, surpassing the half-year target of UGX 14.93 trillion. This represents 102 percent performance and a surplus of UGX 322 billion. These results affirm the impact of reforms centred on technology, strong partnerships, and taxpayer convenience."

Fintech platforms like MTN MoMo are pivotal in broadening Uganda’s tax base by shifting transactions from cash to digital formats. This makes economic activity more transparent, enables informal traders to join the tax system, reduces enforcement costs, and increases government revenue.

The upgrade is more than just a technological improvement, it represents a national vision for a simpler, fairer, and more digital tax system. As Rujoki emphasized:
"I would like to commend MTN Uganda for their continued partnership and innovation, and I encourage all taxpayers to embrace these enhanced services as part of our shared responsibility to finance Uganda’s growth. Together, through collaboration and technology, we are making tax compliance easier, revenue collection stronger, and national development more sustainable."

Ugandans are encouraged to use the 165*18# menu on MTN MoMo to access these enhanced URA services and experience a faster, more convenient, and secure way to meet their tax and government payment obligations.