The government has approved the use of National Identification Numbers (NINs) as tax numbers for individual taxpayers, ending the need for separate Tax Identification Numbers (TINs).
ICT and National Guidance Minister Justine Kasule Lumumba announced the decision on September 1, 2026. She was presenting resolutions from the Cabinet meeting held the previous day.
“Cabinet approved the use of the National Identification Number (NIN) issued by NIRA as the Tax Identification Number (TIN) going forward,” Lumumba said.
The change means individuals will use their NINs when registering and dealing with the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).
Lumumba said the existing TIN registration system had created outdated and conflicting records. She blamed this on separate and largely manual processes.
The government expects the change to improve the taxpayer register and help authorities identify taxpayers. It also seeks to strengthen data sharing between agencies, reduce revenue losses and simplify tax registration.
URA had already started linking tax records to national identification details. In May 2026, the authority asked taxpayers to update their information and connect their records to a NIN or Business Registration Number (BRN).
The changes follow amendments to the Tax Procedures Code Act. Individuals will use NINs, while registered businesses and other entities will use BRNs.
Cabinet’s approval clears the way for the government to retire standalone TINs for individuals. However, it did not announce when the full transition would take effect.
