The Ugandan government has announced a major change that will see an individual’s National Identification Number (NIN) serve as their Tax Identification Number (TIN).
ICT and National Guidance Minister Justine Kasule Lumumba announced the Cabinet decision on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, explaining that the move is intended to simplify taxpayer identification and improve coordination between government systems.
Under the new arrangement, Ugandans will no longer need separate identification numbers for national identification and tax purposes. The same NIN attached to a person’s National ID will also be used when accessing tax-related services.
Ugandans who already have URA-issued TINs should not panic or immediately apply for new numbers.
The government has been working to connect existing taxpayer records with National Identification Numbers, allowing information held by the Uganda Revenue Authority to be matched with the correct national identity records.
For individuals who do not already have a TIN, their NIN will serve as their taxpayer identification number once the new system is fully implemented.
The important distinction is that it is the NIN, not the physical National ID card itself, that will serve as the TIN.
Your National ID remains your official identification document, while the unique number attached to your identity will now also be used for tax purposes.
