URA sets deadline to clean up container cargo declarations

The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has given traders until June 1 to clear all goods under container leaders, marking a critical compliance deadline aimed at improving transparency.

In a meeting held yesterday at URA headquarters, Nakawa, between URA senior management and the leadership of the Kampala Capital City Traders Association (KACITA), Commissioner General John Rujoki Musinguzi announced the new measures, emphasizing the importance of correct declaration and documented consent from individual traders authorizing container leaders to act on their behalf.

“All goods already in the country or transit must undergo additional declarations by container leaders to correct any under-declarations,” Musinguzi said. “If verified and found accurate, no penalties will be imposed.”

The resolution follows URA’s call for streamlining groupage cargo, which led to a directive stopping the illegal clearance of goods by container leaders. This prompted traders to write a letter requesting consideration of goods under transit, and those already in the country, a request that URA has granted.

Musinguzi refuted rumors by some individuals in business that URA has confiscated certain containers.

“The rumors circulating about confiscations are unfounded. Delays have been caused by the failure of container leaders to declare the right goods. Traders are urged to follow up with their transporters.” Musinguzi clarified, warning that if goods remain unclaimed, the resulting demurrage and damages will be the trader’s responsibility.

KACITA welcomed the decisions, with their Chairperson, Dr. Thaddeus Musoke, thanking URA for engaging constructively with the trading community.

“Our agreement with URA benefits both sides. There is no need to panic or close shops. Business continues as usual,” Musoke said. “We urge all traders to comply and use lawful procedures. We also recognize the need for stricter regulation of container leaders to prevent exploitation.”

Looking ahead, URA will enforce the use of individual house bills starting June 1 for undeclared goods, and by July 1, all new shipments will be subject to the updated valuation standards.

The meeting also resolved to have a joint URA-KACITA sensitization campaign to improve tax compliance and awareness across affected sectors.