URA is in talks with South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to enhance collaboration and improve trade facilitation. This was during a recent seven-day benchmark meeting for bilateral engagement with the South Sudan Revenue Authority and the DRC.

The engagement which was organized by the Northern Corridor and Transport Coordination Authority (NCTTCA) based on the friendly relationship between the two countries that share borders and a lake. The discussions also explored opportunities for alternative modes of operation beyond land routes.

Godson Mwesigye, Assistant Commissioner of Enforcement, noted that the DRC has been effectively collaborating with Uganda through a similar customs system called ASYCUDA. Efforts are underway to synchronize the two systems so that the compatibility facilitates system integration, streamlining trade between the two countries.

Through the Directorate General of Tax Administration (DGTA) and Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), this engagement aims at reinforcing the positive relationship and harmonize the customs operations for the two countries. These include the operationalization of one-stop border points, such as the one at Goli, and the implementation of simplified trade regimes that allow citizens to trade using simplified mechanisms.

These efforts will support DRC’s single customs operations and help combat smuggling through a unified system, benefiting both countries economically since URA customs offices will support each nation.

Peter Gikwiyakare, the Deputy Director of Customs and Trade at NCTTCA, appreciated URA’s role in facilitating the discussions between the two states. He noted that system integration is a recurrent issue raised in their engagements with stakeholders, because it affects the movement of goods.

“We hope this meeting will resolve those challenges to enable the free movement of goods,” noted Gikwiyakare.

Jean Claude Makonga Kalenga, Deputy Director General of Finance and Administration from the DRC General Directorate of Customs and Excise (DGDA), appreciated the bilateral engagement between the two states stating that it serves as a crucial platform for discussing issues important to the continent and strengthening the cordial relationship between the two countries.

This trade integration is expected to significantly enhance trade, particularly in border areas such as Bunangana and Mpondwe. Improvements in infrastructure, including roads and railways, are also anticipated results. By simplifying trade exchanges, this integration will reduce logistics costs, ultimately benefiting the economies of the member states.

Asadu Kisitu Kigozi, the Acting Commissioner of Customs, commended the NCTTCA as a valuable partner in supporting efforts to integrate customs systems, facilitating data exchange with the possibility of a system interface.

“Successfully implementing this interface will lead to more streamlined processes that enhance trade facilitation, ultimately improving trade balances,” Kigozi added.

He also noted that the proposed system interface is expected to simplify processes to enhance trade facilitation and improve respective trade balances.

Experts noted that it is crucial to have all country representation in the meeting because they will collectively address shared challenges to improve clearance processes, enhance data exchange, and monitor transit for goods headed to both the DRC and South Sudan.

DRC also noted that there are plans to replicate this system integration with the DGDA to serve as a pilot for replicating this process to resolve similar challenges.

By Irene Kabakama