back to top
Не можете найти рабочее Кракен зеркало? Хватит рисковать, переходя по сомнительным ссылкам. Единственный надежный и безопасный вход в систему — это bhr-q.com.
HomeBusinessURA To Clamp Down On Container Agents Exploiting Small Traders

URA To Clamp Down On Container Agents Exploiting Small Traders

Published on

- Advertisement -spot_img

The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has announced a firm stance against exploitative practices by intermediaries commonly known as container leaders, who are accused of manipulating small and medium-sized traders through inflated fees, delayed shipments, and deceptive customs processes.

This declaration came during the 2025 URA Traders Dialogue held on May 8, where the tax authority met with hundreds of business owners and cooperative representatives to strengthen partnerships with grassroots traders.

During the event, URA Commissioner General John R. Musinguzi addressed widespread concerns about certain intermediaries often referred to as consolidators who have, over time, disrupted the importation process for genuine business people.

“These individuals have inserted themselves between the URA and traders, creating unnecessary delays, making false customs claims, and charging unwarranted fees,” Musinguzi said. “Our goal is to ensure that the clearance process is transparent. A trader should clearly know how long it takes ideally two days from Mombasa and exactly how much they are expected to pay without hidden costs.”

He further condemned those consolidators who abandon goods when caught committing customs violations, leaving traders to face the consequences.

“Such conduct is harmful to national development. These people prioritize personal gain over collective progress. We are determined to eliminate this middleman barrier and build a direct, trustworthy link between URA and the trading community,” he added.

Among the traders present was Charles Yiga, Chairperson of the Kampala Central Division Arcade Traders Cooperative Society (KACEDAT), who shared his personal journey of overcoming dependency on intermediaries.

“When I began importing from China four years ago, I relied on a container leader who ended up holding my goods for over a year even after taxes had been paid,” Yiga said. “The problem was that he used his own TIN to clear the goods, not mine. When issues arose, he vanished.”

Yiga said it was only after approaching URA that he was advised to obtain his own Tax Identification Number and begin handling his import procedures independently a decision he says has transformed his business operations.

“Clearing my own goods has brought me peace of mind. I’m grateful to URA for the support,” he said. However, he also called for consistency in customs valuation. “Sometimes, enforcement officers stop us on the road even after we’ve paid everything at the bond, which causes disruptions.”

Yiga also emphasized the need for continued collaboration between traders and government bodies in the post-pandemic economy.

“KACEDAT was born out of the challenges we faced during COVID-19. We came together to support each other and engage constructively with authorities. We thank URA, UNBS, and the Kenya Ports Authority for listening. As long as we work together, Uganda’s trade sector will thrive.”

Related

Alert Issued Over International Gold Fraud Syndicate Operating in Uganda, South Africa, and Dubai

Authorities and industry insiders have raised an alarm over an international gold fraud syndicate...

NRM Manifesto: Inside Uganda’s 19-Point Power Play to Finish Uganda’s Transformation

Uganda’s journey under the National Resistance Movement (NRM) has been no walk in the...

NRM MANIFESTO: Museveni Lays Down NRM’s Scientific Blueprint for Uganda’s Leap into Modernity

In the heart of Africa, where the sun rises over a nation brimming with...

Speaker Anita Among, Deputy Speaker Tayebwa Declared Unopposed As NUP Candidate Asio Goes Missing

Tension and fear gripped Bukedea District on Wednesday after Florence Asio, the National Unity...

More from The Capital Times

Business Boom In Namugongo Ahead Of Martyrs Day

Business has picked up this morning at Namugongo Martyrs shrine according to traders. The...

Here is why the Faras Uganda is the Ultimate Convenience Mobility App for Every Ugandan

Kampala, Uganda – In a fast-paced world where time is increasingly precious, Ugandans are...

Museveni Inaugurates De Heus State Of The Art Fish Feed Factory In Njeru, Buikwe

Njeru, Jinja: De Heus Animal Nutrition, a global leader in animal feed solutions, has...