By Daniel Karibwije

Trade facilitation is a make or break for importers and exporters of Uganda. The business community is the bedrock of creativity determining what to import or export through studying local and foreign market forces. Over the past two decades, importing bodabodas has been brisk business.

Businessmen such as the late Bulaimu Muwanga Kibirige (BMK) cashed in early and made tonnes of money.

Traders wake up every morning to harvest opportunities and hate endless documents. Paperwork is seen as an obstacle to trade and an opportunity for delay tactics.

Electronic systems improve the speed of information sharing. The one-stop centre at Uganda Investment Authority and Uganda Registration Services Bureau is a step in the right direction, enabling the business community to submit all relevant information just once, rather than physically visiting each government office separately. All key business-related agencies are under one roof and can graduate to have all under one click of the computer mouse, too. The National Information Technology Authority (NITA) is promoting e-government.

Cross-border management and promotion of electronic single window clearance of goods enhances trade and also increases Government revenue. It is a win-win situation, with both the business community and Government smiling. Let us dig into some key areas where electronic systems promote business.

FORMALITIES AND DOCUMENTS

Administrative procedures can either facilitate or cause roadblocks in trade. The word administration sounds simple

but is rather complicated in the real sense of the word, especially in third world countries. A technocrat can sit on your documents and remind you that it is the rain causing delay, and that had it not rained, the paperwork would have moved faster.

Formalities at border posts need to be periodically reviewed for relevance so that they can be simplified and reduced. The Uganda electronic single window is a key resource for importers, exporters and customs agents.

E-SIGNATURE OR INK SIGNATURE

COVID-19 has brought technology much closer. What we thought was going to happen in 2030 is happening now. E-signatures are becoming commonplace in many quarters and appropriate risk management systems should be put in place to ensure they are not

abused. E-signatures ensure that a cheque does not bounce because the signature is not 100% identical due to the functionality of a different pen used. Signature variations can arise due to fatigue, surface areas or functionality of type of pen used. If your right hand got broken in an accident, does this mean business cannot continue?

EASE OF TRACKING

Electronic systems allow for easy tracking and accountability. E-documents cannot go missing. Manila files will not have legs to disappear. Furthermore, if the building got burnt

through an act of arson or electrical mishap, your electronic copies, saved in the cloud or offsite, will save the day. Business continues to move online even on public holidays. October 9 was Independence Day, but Mombasa port remained working.

PAPERWORK BREEDS CORRUPTION

Electronic systems reduce paperwork and corruption. The technocrats in certain offices, who wield power in carrying files, are brought to their knees.

A deliberate effort to reduce the amount of paperwork will boost the economy. It is much easier to fill out a 20-page document online than a printed copy.

Fillable PDF documents are reliable. The online copy is easier to track and the exact time of submission automatically recorded for follow-up.

In terms of sustainability, electronic systems reduce unnecessary office paper costs and also save forests, enabling you to play your part in fighting climate change.