Engagement between the Commissioner General URA and the Licensed Clearing and Forwarding Agents

Kampala | February 6^th, 2025

Uganda Revenue Authority has urged the clearing agents to join the fight against corruption by punishing and reporting the corrupt in their profession.

Commissioner General, John R. Musinguzi made the request Thursday at Hotel Africana during an engagement with over 650 clearing agents in a bid to understand issues related to their work and agree on resolutions to curtail revenue loss.

He asked the leaders of clearing and forwarding fraternity to dismiss and report the corrupt agents saying they are tarnishing their image and derailing the development of Uganda.

“At URA, we say Zero tolerance to corruption and we have lost a number of staff. But we know that there's no corruption that happens especially in customs without the involvement of clearing agents. What have you done on your side, almost nothing,” remarked Musinguzi.

He told clearing agents that it’s better to have a few professional and efficient firms to deal with than a big number where some are corrupt and tarnishing the reputation of the clearing and forwarding fraternity.

“In my opinion, it's about quality. We would rather have few but professional and efficient firms to deal with. A clearing agent must be a very honest and reputable person. So, let’s clean up our associations,” CG stated.

Musinguzi noted that there is need for a paradigm shift and called for a change for all players in the clearance of goods including URA, the clearing fraternity and the taxpayers to do things honestly and efficiently.

Ag. Commissioner Customs Department, Hajji Asadu Kizito Kisitu told clearing agents that they are important stakeholders in the development of Uganda and making it a financially independent nation.

“Allow me to thank you for the work you do. Your contribution to building this nation cannot be overemphasized, because government entirely depends on the revenues that the citizens pay, and you play a pivotal role in making sure, that revenue is collected,” said Kisitu.

He however requested them to avoid export fraud, PRN fraud, misdeclaration, concealment and false documentation saying that such instances lead to cancellation of their licenses.

Meanwhile, the clearing industry asked URA to extend the Customs Agents' license from one year to 3 years in order to avoid delays especially during the application for renewal of licenses done every year.

By Kamugisha Kabahweza Allan MMU/Public and Corporate Affairs/URA.