The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has set a June 1 deadline for traders to clear all goods under container leaders, aiming to boost transparency in trade processes.
At a meeting on May 27 at URA’s Nakawa headquarters, Commissioner General John Rujoki Musinguzi met with leaders of the Kampala Capital City Traders Association (KACITA) to announce new compliance measures. Musinguzi stressed the need for accurate declarations and documented consent from traders allowing container leaders to act on their behalf.
“All goods already in the country or in 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 decision follows URA’s efforts to streamline groupage cargo, which led to a directive halting illegal clearances by container leaders. Traders had written to URA, requesting consideration for goods in transit or already in Uganda, a request URA has now approved.
Musinguzi dismissed rumours of container confiscations, clarifying, “The rumours 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.” He warned that unclaimed goods could lead to demurrage and damages, which traders would bear.
KACITA Chairperson Dr. Thaddeus Musoke welcomed the measures, thanking URA for constructive engagement. “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 recognise the need for stricter regulation of container leaders to prevent exploitation.”
From June 1, URA will enforce individual house bills for undeclared goods, with new shipments facing updated valuation standards by July 1. URA and KACITA also agreed to launch a joint campaign to raise tax compliance and awareness among traders.
