Electronic tracking of goods for May

By Billy Rwothungeyo and Stella Naigino

The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) is in the final stages of piloting the electronic tracking of goods to streamline tax compliance.

While addressing close to 200 clearing agents who were graduating after completing the East African Customs and Freight Forwarding Practicing Certificate (EACFFPC) last week, URA Commissioner for customs, Richard Kamajugo said the new tracking system will be launched on May 2.

“You will have access to the system and be able to track your goods. This means that the risks to your goods will even be reduced further,” he said.

Kamajugo also revealed that the authority will embrace online application of agents. He said the training, aimed at professionalizing the industry, will change the face of clearing.

The training in which the graduates were awarded certificates was intended to equip necessary skills, competencies and values desirable in customs and Freight Forwarding operations.

Mathieu Bizimana, the president of the Federation of East African Freight Forwarders Association shared Kamajugo’s sentiments.

“As a federation through this training program we have reduced the time and cost of cargo transport in east Africa, “Bizimana said.

Bizimana also expressed optimism that Uganda will once again have one body that unites all clearing agents. Currently, there are two umbrella bodies that clearing firms fall under; the Uganda Freight Forwarders Association, which broke away from Uganda Clearing and Forwarding Agents Association (UCIFA).

“We want to see trade enhanced within the region by creating a pool  of trained agents who can raise the professional standards in the industry, said Silas Kanamugire, a director at Trademark East Africa.