Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) Commissioner for Customs, Asadu Kigozi Kisitu, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to facilitating trade, enhancing tax compliance, and supporting importers.
Speaking during Spotlight Uganda hosted by Sanyuka Television on Wednesday, Kisitu emphasized that taxation is the backbone of Uganda’s service delivery, noting that government relies on revenue from citizens and businesses to finance national priorities.
“Taxes mean that when the country is going to serve its citizens, it needs money to do so. The government does not run businesses, so it gets this money from people who have businesses, and from exports and imports. Taxes help the country provide services to its people, for example security, education, health services, infrastructure, and salaries for government workers,” he said.
He noted that Uganda’s tax base continues to grow, particularly due to increased imports, which have expanded the market and boosted domestic revenue collection. Currently, 65% of URA’s revenue is generated domestically from goods and services traded locally.
Kisitu urged taxpayers to fulfill their obligations willingly, stressing that voluntary compliance enables the Authority to collect adequate revenue for national development.
“People should voluntarily comply with paying taxes, which helps us collect revenue and improve service delivery in the country,” he said.
To ease the financial burden on importers, URA, in collaboration with the Government of Uganda, Mombasa Port administrators, the Port of Mombasa Revenue Authority, and shipping companies, has secured a full waiver on all charges for Ugandan goods delayed at Mombasa Port for more than 21 days.
This relief measure is valid until December 6, and importers are encouraged to take advantage of the window.
“If you have goods at Mombasa, collect them now without paying any charges,” Kisitu advised.
The Commissioner also clarified procedures for goods held in bonds and Inland Container Depots (ICDs). Importers are allowed up to six months to clear such goods while preparing to pay taxes.
Those unable to do so within the stipulated period must report to URA and may be permitted to pay in installments, provided they furnish acceptable security guarantees.
Non-compliance may result in enforcement actions, including public disclosure of defaulters online.
In line with consumer safety and environmental regulations, Kisitu reiterated that certain products remain strictly prohibited from entering Uganda.
These include drugs and skincare products containing mercury or hydroquinone; old computers, televisions, and refrigerators; and vehicles older than 15 years.
He emphasized that such restrictions are vital to safeguard public health and prevent Uganda from becoming a dumping ground for hazardous or obsolete products.