PARTNERS.
Academic Qualification:
Stephen holds the following academic qualifications.
- LLM in International Taxation from the University of Sydney in Australia (2008);
- Post Graduate Diploma in Legislative Drafting, International Law Institute Uganda (2006);
- LLB-National University of Rwanda (1998);
- Certificate in taxation from African Tax Institute, University of Pretoria, South Africa (2006)
- Certificate in Customer care;
- Certificate in Leadership and Management
About to be awarded
- Post graduate diploma in Legal practice, Institute of Legal Practice (ILPD)
Background and experience.
Stephen worked with the Social Security Fund of Rwanda, serving as a legal advisor to the Fund, advising on occupational hazards, pension and labor relations. He has gained substantial knowledge in the field of employment and social security system in Rwanda and the in the East Africa.
In 2002, Stephen joined Rwanda Revenue Authority, where he served in a number of capacities:
- Legal Officer,
- Head of Taxpayer Appeals Unit,
- He headed Support and Technical Division; overseeing Tax Appeals, Customer Relations Unit, Office in charge of Refund and ICT Unit attached to Internal Revenue Department.
After attaining a Masters degree in international Taxation, Stephen was promoted to head Taxpayer Education in taxpayer Services Department where he registered substantial success in facilitating taxpayers to comply.
Other works accomplished:
- Appointed to the committee to study the feasibility of turning Rwanda into a financial hub;
- He drew for Rwanda a five-year taxpayer education strategy, which is in use now
- Contributed to ICF - World Bank Doing Business Report 2010,
- Stephen presented to the EAC Technical Committee on tax harmonization, how taxpayer education could be harmonized within EAC partner states. At the above meeting, Rwanda was selected to be a pilot study for taxpayer education;
- Through his job as a taxpayer educator, he has facilitated to comply a wide range of businesses, i.e. Large and Small and Medium Enterprises. He has also held a couple of lectures with University lectures and students, facilitating them to comply with tax laws;
- Stephen has written a couple of articles related to tax in the New Times; a leading Rwandan English newspaper.
- Stephen was a contact person for both local and international businesses. Among the businesses he advised while in RRA are but not limited to the following: High Street Partners (HSP), one of the fastest growing private companies in the US. He constantly provided advice to Price Water house, Nairobi office.
- Stephen actively participated in the design and drafting of both the current Income tax Law and the tax procedure law.