Rural Finance Initiative (RUFI) Honored at Prestigious West Nile Taxpayer Award Dinner

What you need to know

On the 30 th October 2024, at an inspiring award dinner hosted by Uganda Revenue Authority at Le Confidential Hotel in Arua, Rural Finance Initiative (RUFI) was recognized as one of the top taxpayers in West Nile. This celebratory evening marked the culmination of URA’s week-long campaign to meet and honor dedicated taxpayers across West Nile, who play an integral role in strengthening Uganda’s economic foundation. RUFI was proudly acknowledged for its steadfast commitment to compliance and contribution to Uganda’s fiscal growth.

URA’s Commissioner General, who was represented by Commissioner Executive Officer Operations Mr. Abel Kagumire, opened the ceremony by welcoming awardees and expressing heartfelt gratitude for their dedication to fulfilling tax obligations, which directly support Uganda’s path to economic development. “It is through your unwavering commitment to paying taxes that Uganda’s economy will be transformed,” Kagumire stated passionately, emphasizing the positive impact that responsible taxpayers like RUFI have on the country. Kagumire also reassured attendees that URA is committed to providing accessible support and urged taxpayers to reach out whenever they need assistance with tax-related services, ensuring that URA remains a trusted partner for businesses and institutions alike.

RUFI, as a key financial institution in the region, has long demonstrated its dedication not only to empowering communities through accessible financial services but also to fulfilling its fiscal responsibilities with integrity. This recognition from URA serves as a testament to RUFI’s alignment with Uganda’s economic development goals and its commitment to driving financial inclusivity. Honored by the acknowledgment, RUFI's representatives in attendance expressed gratitude for the award and reaffirmed the organization’s continued dedication to transparency, accountability, and community-focused growth.

The evening was marked by the presence of notable dignitaries, including former Woman Member of Parliament Christine Abia, Arua Member of Parliament Atima Jackson Lee Buti, and Hon. Wani Tom Sebit Michael, South Sudan's State Minister for Trade and Industry, accompanied by his delegation. Their presence highlighted the importance of collaboration across borders and sectors, underscoring the essential role of institutions like RUFI in fostering regional stability and growth.

As part of the awards, RUFI was acknowledged for its ongoing efforts to uplift the financial well-being of underserved communities throughout the region, guided by its mission, “To Uplift the Living Standards of Our Clients by Sustainably Providing Inclusive Financial Services.” This mission has become a cornerstone of RUFI’s operations, as the institution continuously seeks innovative ways to empower clients, drive financial literacy, and expand access to credit in rural areas.

With its core vision, "A Leading Provider of Inclusive Cross-border Financial Services that Empower All Communities We Serve" RUFI is not only committed to supporting its clients but also to fostering a culture of accountability and economic resilience. This award symbolizes RUFI’s unwavering belief that by empowering communities through ethical and sustainable practices, the organization can be a vital contributor to Uganda's—and the broader region's—prosperity.

This recognition reaffirms RUFI’s dedication to making a tangible impact, reflecting both the spirit of the award and the institution’s broader aspirations for sustainable growth and financial empowerment. As RUFI looks to the future, the team is inspired to continue building on this achievement, strengthening relationships with clients, communities, and regulatory bodies, and contributing positively to Uganda’s economic landscape.