URA courts oil marketing companies to join AEO programme

The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has intensified efforts to recruit more Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) into the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, as part of a strategy to ease trade bottlenecks and strengthen compliance within the petroleum sector.

This was highlighted during the third edition of the URA “roundtable talks” held on Thursday at Mestil Hotel, where the Commissioner of Customs, Asadu Kisitu Kigozi, engaged key players in the oil industry on how the tax authority can better support their operations within the East African Community.

The meeting brought together representatives from the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), Oil Marketing Companies, and members of the Sustainable Energies & Petroleum Association of Uganda (SEPA).

Asadu urged OMCs to enrol in the AEO programme, noting that it offers trusted traders benefits such as faster clearance processes, reduced inspections and improved predictability in customs operations. He said participation in the programme would help address many of the challenges the companies face in cross-border trade.

“The oil sector contributes up to 40 per cent of Uganda’s annual revenue collection,” Asadu said. “This underscores the importance of the sector. How we manage and facilitate it directly affects revenue performance and the wider economy.”

He added that bringing more compliant oil marketing companies on board the AEO programme would not only improve efficiency in the sector but also strengthen revenue administration and trade facilitation.

The Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme is a World Customs Organization–endorsed initiative implemented by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) to recognise trusted, compliant businesses involved in international trade.

Companies accredited as AEOs are considered low-risk and reliable, and in return receive preferential treatment in customs and tax processes.

SEPA Chairman Anthony Ogalo welcomed URA’s engagement approach, commending the authority and the Customs Department for their support to the industry.

“We deal with many government institutions in this line of business. Our experience with URA has always been exceptional,” Ogalo said.

He called for continued engagement between URA and industry players to explore growth opportunities and address emerging trends in the petroleum sector.

URA said the roundtable talks are part of an ongoing dialogue aimed at strengthening collaboration with key sectors, adopting modern systems and enhancing voluntary compliance, with the AEO programme identified as a key pillar in supporting efficient and competitive trade.