Kampala traders fight back against URA's new container tax rule

​Kampala traders are expressing strong opposition to a new directive from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) concerning container taxes. The URA's policy mandates that all imported goods in containers must be cleared at the designated customs points, a move that traders argue will increase their operational costs and delay the delivery of goods to the market.​

Traders, especially those dealing in imported merchandise, have voiced concerns that the new directive could lead to congestion at the customs points and disrupt the supply chain. They are urging the URA to reconsider the policy and engage in dialogue with stakeholders to find a more balanced approach that facilitates trade while ensuring compliance with tax regulations.​

The URA, on its part, maintains that the directive is aimed at enhancing revenue collection and curbing tax evasion. The authority believes that by centralizing the clearance of containerized goods, it can better monitor imports and ensure that appropriate taxes are paid.​

This standoff highlights the ongoing tension between regulatory authorities and the business community in Uganda, as both sides seek to balance the need for government revenue with the realities of conducting business in a competitive environment.