David Kalemera: From Tax Conviction to Controversial Appointment and Ouster!

David Kalemera: From Tax Conviction to Controversial Appointment and Ouster!

Posted on 6 January 2025 0
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By Andrew Irumba

David Kalemera, the embattled former head of Uganda’s State House Revenue Intelligence Unit, has been relieved of his position and reassigned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. His removal comes less than a year after his contentious appointment and amidst growing public outrage over his criminal history.

A Troubled Past

Kalemera, a former Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) official, was appointed in July 2024 to head the newly established Revenue Intelligence Unit. This position was central to the government’s fight against tax evasion and protecting national revenue streams. However, the decision to place him at the helm of such a critical office immediately drew backlash due to his 2022 conviction for tax fraud and conspiracy.

Court records detail Kalemera’s role in orchestrating a sophisticated tax evasion scheme that caused the Ugandan government to lose billions of shillings. Alongside co-conspirators Ssemanda Ian Paul and Kazibwe Ronald, he falsified customs documents to evade taxes on goods imported through Kenya’s Mombasa port.

In his ruling, High Court Justice Lawrence Gidudu identified Kalemera as the mastermind behind the operation, presenting evidence that he supplied the falsified invoices and packing lists used in the scheme. “The evidence clearly established that the accused’s actions were deliberate and fraudulent,” Justice Gidudu noted, emphasizing the calculated nature of Kalemera’s actions.

Despite his conviction, Kalemera has consistently denied wrongdoing, claiming innocence and presenting himself as a reformer committed to fighting corruption and addressing revenue leaks in Uganda’s tax system.

Public Outrage & Removal

President Yoweri Museveni’s decision to appoint Kalemera to the Revenue Intelligence Unit sparked immediate and sustained criticism from anti-corruption advocates, civil society organizations, and political analysts. Critics questioned how someone with a history of undermining the tax system could be trusted with safeguarding it.

“The decision to place someone with a criminal conviction for tax fraud in charge of revenue intelligence eroded public confidence in the system,” said a Kampala-based political analyst.

The decision to relieve Kalemera of his duties has been widely welcomed. Anti-corruption campaigners, such as the Anti-Corruption Coalition Uganda (ACCU), praised the move as a necessary step toward rebuilding public trust in the government’s commitment to integrity.

“This is a positive step for accountability in Uganda,” an ACCU representative commented.

A Controversial Re-assignment

Kalemera’s reassignment to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has, however, drawn mixed reactions. While some see it as a strategic move to a less sensitive role, others question why an official with a criminal record continues to serve in government.

“This raises broader questions about the standards for public service appointments and whether accountability is genuinely being prioritized,” said an observer.

Implications for the Revenue Intelligence Unit

The State House has not yet announced a replacement for Kalemera at the Revenue Intelligence Unit, which was established to enhance revenue collection and combat tax evasion. Analysts stress that the next appointee must embody integrity and professionalism to restore public trust.

“This is a critical office, and it requires leadership of the highest moral and professional standards,” said a Kampala-based economist.

A Broader Pattern

Kalemera’s appointment and subsequent removal highlight a recurring issue in Uganda’s public administration: the appointment of individuals with controversial or questionable records to high-profile positions. Critics argue that such decisions undermine governance and fuel public skepticism about the government’s dedication to transparency and accountability.

As Uganda continues to grapple with systemic corruption, calls are growing for stronger measures to ensure that critical public service roles are filled based on merit and integrity.

Kalemera’s removal is a step in the right direction, but it also serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of disregarding accountability in public service appointments. As the Revenue Intelligence Unit transitions to new leadership, the government faces mounting pressure to demonstrate genuine commitment to reform and integrity.

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