Written By | BK Mugizi
Resigned: Emmanuel Katongole
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KAMPALA
Businessman and Rotary International director Emmanuel Katongole has resigned as chairman of the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) board, barely six months after assuming the position.
Katongole cited increased responsibilities at pharmaceutical manufacturer Quality Chemical Industries Limited (QCIL), where he serves as executive chairman, as well as his duties as a Rotary International director.
He submitted his resignation to the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development on September 29, 2026, saying it would take effect on October 1.
In his resignation letter, Katongole said QCIL had entered a critical expansion phase that required his increased involvement, particularly in expanding its export markets.
"Our company, Quality Chemical Industries, has entered into a critical expansion phase," he said.
He noted that QCIL had registered intellectual property in 34 African countries and exports medicines for HIV/AIDS, malaria, hepatitis and sickle cell disease to 15 countries.
Katongole said his role in leading the company's export drive required frequent travel across Africa to establish new markets.
He also cited his responsibilities as a Rotary International director, which involve extensive international travel.
"Owing to the above responsibilities, I find myself too busy to effectively and efficiently carry out the responsibilities of board chairman of URA," he said.
He said he had decided to step down to allow someone with sufficient time to effectively lead the board.
Katongole thanked the Government, fellow board members, URA management and staff for their cooperation during his tenure. He also wished the authority success in fulfilling its mandate of mobilising revenue for national development.
Who is Katongole?
Katongole is a Ugandan businessman and entrepreneur who co-founded Quality Chemical Industries Limited, a pharmaceutical manufacturer, and serves as its executive chairman. He previously served as the company's chief executive officer.
He holds a Bachelor of Statistics and a Master of Arts in Economic Policy and Planning, both from Makerere University.
He has held several senior leadership positions, including serving as the first chairman of the Uganda National Oil Company. He is also the chancellor of Nkumba University.
Katongole has played a significant role in Uganda's pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, with QCIL producing medicines for diseases such as HIV/AIDS and malaria and exporting its products to regional markets.
He is also a long-serving Rotarian, having joined the Rotary Club of Muyenga in 1996. He later served as governor of Rotary District 9211 before being elected a Rotary International director in 2024. He began his 2026–2028 term on July 1, 2026, representing Zone 22.
Beyond business and Rotary, Katongole has participated in health and humanitarian initiatives, including the Rotary Blood Bank at Mengo Hospital, and has served on several boards and advisory bodies.
Katongole was appointed URA board chairman by Finance Minister Matia Kasaija, with his appointment taking effect on April 1, 2026. He succeeded banker Juma Kisaame, who had chaired the board since March 2020.
