By Spy Uganda
Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has shut down Laventi Lounge & Kitchen, one of Najjera’s trendiest bars, following allegations of tax fraud.
Sources close to the development reveal that Mark, the former owner of Laventi who now runs Noni Vie Lounge in upscale Kololo, tipped off URA after discovering that Laventi’s new management was still operating under his Tax Identification Number (TIN). This startling revelation not only exposed a potential multimillion-shilling tax evasion scheme but also peeled back the curtain on a growing problem within Uganda’s entertainment business sector—ghost TINs and identity misuse.
What makes this case especially controversial is the ease with which Laventi’s current operators allegedly continued business operations using outdated or fraudulent tax credentials. The bar, famous for events like Najjera Fest and The Love Scotch Affair, had rapidly risen to prominence among Kampala’s urban partygoers. But beneath the glitz and glamour lay a shaky foundation of mismanaged legal transitions and tax deception.
“This is not just a tax case—it’s identity theft,” said a source familiar with URA’s probe. “Imagine someone is making millions every weekend under your name, and you’re the one at risk when URA comes knocking. It’s criminal, period.”
The revelation that the whistleblower was the former owner—and now competitor—has sparked mixed reactions within industry circles. Some view Mark’s tip-off as a bold move in the name of business ethics and legal integrity, while others suspect the motivations may be rooted in rivalry and revenge.
Regardless of motive, the impact is undeniable. URA officials acted swiftly upon receiving the intelligence, sealing off Laventi Lounge to allow for a full-scale investigation and possible prosecution of the individuals involved.
This incident is part of a broader trend in URA’s aggressive campaign against tax evasion, especially in the hospitality and entertainment sectors where cash-based transactions and frequent ownership changes create loopholes ripe for abuse.
According to insiders, the tax body is now scrutinizing other nightlife venues and bars across the country, especially those that have recently changed hands without properly updating tax records.
“This is a wake-up call. Owners and managers must ensure legal compliance before resuming operations under new leadership. URA will not hesitate to act,” another source close to the tax authority warned.
The closure of Laventi has sent shockwaves through Kira Municipality and beyond. Fellow bar owners are reportedly scrambling to review their TIN registrations and compliance history to avoid similar fates.
“It’s a risky game,” said a bar manager who preferred anonymity. “Many lounges are still running under old owners’ names, thinking they’ll fix it later. Laventi is proof that ‘later’ can come too late.”
While URA has not officially disclosed the extent of the tax liabilities involved, it is widely believed that criminal charges could be filed depending on the outcome of ongoing investigations. Laventi’s future hangs in the balance, and the broader nightlife sector is now on high alert.
As URA sharpens its gaze, the message is loud and clear: in Uganda’s entertainment economy, there’s no room for ghost operators and fraudulent tax games. The age of silent loopholes is closing, and compliance is no longer optional—it’s survival.
