ZMP condemns law granting legal immunity to Zambia Revenue Authority staff

Zambia Must Prosper (ZMP) has criticised the enactment of the Zambia Revenue Authority (Amendment) Act No. 26 of 2024, warning that the law erodes transparency and weakens taxpayer protection.

Party president, Kelvin Bwalya, said in a statement on Monday that the amendment—granting legal immunity to ZRA staff for actions or omissions done in “good faith”—removes a vital layer of accountability.

“The law now shields ZRA officers from personal liability, even in cases of abuse, wrongful seizure, or malicious assessments,” Bwalya said, adding, “This undermines taxpayer rights and opens the door to impunity.”

He argued that unlike in progressive tax systems such as those in Rwanda and Mauritius—where accountability drives performance—the amendment could embolden corrupt or politically motivated conduct.

Bwalya also criticised the lack of public consultation before the law’s passage, calling it a violation of the Business Regulatory Act No. 3 of 2014, which mandates stakeholder involvement in regulatory changes.

He called on Parliament, civil society, and the business community to reject legal frameworks that insulate inefficiency or corruption.

“A nation can only prosper when revenue collectors are held to the same standard as taxpayers,” he said.

Bwalya reaffirmed ZMP’s commitment to public sector reforms anchored in professionalism, accountability, and citizen service.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.