United Nations University
World Institute for Development Economics Research
Request for Research Proposals
Research Using Administrative Tax Data from Uganda
UNU-WIDER, in collaboration with the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), is requesting research proposals for the Tax Research for Development Project. Proposals are invited for original research using URA administrative tax data to improve the understanding of tax systems, trade, employment, and revenue productivity in the Global South. Proposals from individuals (or groups of individuals) and non-profit organizations are welcome.
Submission Deadline: 28 February 2025, 23:59 UTC+3.
This request for research proposals is part of the UNU-WIDER Tax Research for Development Project under the Domestic Revenue Mobilization Programme funded by Norad. The project aims to provide knowledge for better policymaking and inclusive development using administrative data. As part of this project, URA and UNU-WIDER have constructed several administrative tax datasets:
The data, anonymized and available at the taxpayer or transaction level (depending on the dataset), are described in detail in the works by Jouste et al. (2024), Tieu et al. (2023), Agaba et al. (2023), and McNabb et al. (2022).
The project seeks proposals addressing policy-relevant research questions, with a specific focus on the following objectives (not exhaustive):
Researchers with successful proposals will gain access to otherwise restricted administrative tax data located at URA. Researchers will also gain access to UGAMOD-TAX, a tax microsimulation model. This tool simulates presumptive tax and pay-as-you-earn tax policies using administrative data. Additional details on UGAMOD-TAX can be requested at researchproposal3@wider.unu.edu.
Access to the secure research lab located at URA premises in Kampala, Uganda, will adhere to strict regulations, including no internet access when using the lab computers. Research lab assistants will provide support in extracting research outputs and guide the use of the research lab.
Proposals are welcome from individuals (or groups) and non-profit organizations. Key requirements include:
Researchers or institutions will sign contracts (CTC or ICA) with UNU-WIDER. Successful proposals will receive a research honorarium of USD 4,000–8,000, which will depend on the qualifications of the lead researcher and the proposal's assessment. The honorarium is all-inclusive, covering data collection, research assistance, and travel to the research lab.
Researchers are expected to:
Date | Event |
---|---|
15 January 2025 | Launch of request for research proposals |
20 February 2025 | Final opportunity for questions |
28 February 2025 | Proposal submission deadline |
31 March 2025 | Target date for funding decision notifications |
15 April 2025 | Initial access to data |
15 May 2025 | Completion of administrative procedures |
15 November 2025 | Submission of first draft with preliminary results |
January/February 2026 | Work-in-progress workshop |
31 August 2026 | Submission of near-final draft and non-technical summary |
October 2026 | Final dissemination seminar |
Proposals will be reviewed for scientific merit and feasibility by UNU-WIDER and URA research staff based on:
Selected proposals will further consider diversity in topics, clarity of writing, and geographic diversity. No feedback will be provided on unsuccessful proposals.
Proposals must be a maximum of five pages (A4), excluding cover page and references. Use 12-point font, 1.5 line spacing, and standard margins. The proposal should detail research objectives, methods, data sources, and policy relevance. The cover page should include complete contact information and a 150–200-word abstract summarizing the research.
Proposals are submitted online via the form available on the Request for Research Proposal announcement page. The form varies for individuals, groups, or non-profits. CVs (maximum five pages per researcher) must be included.
No budget submission is required.
Questions about the proposal process should be sent to researchproposal3@wider.unu.edu by 20 February 2025. FAQs will be published on the announcement page.
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