Hajji Asadu Kigozi Kisitu, the Commissioner of Customs at the Uganda Revenue Authority, has urged rice importers to adhere to all tax laws and regulations to qualify for withholding tax exemptions granted to compliant taxpayers.

Kisitu made the call recently while addressing rice importers at the Mutukula One Stop Border Post.

“Compliant taxpayers are the only ones considered for tax exemptions,” he emphasised. “Declare the imported rice from Tanzania, pay the resultant taxes promptly, and with time, you too can benefit from WHT exemptions.”

“URA gives some importers exemptions, ignoring most of us, which disrupts our businesses due to unfair competition,” Kimuli Francis, the Chairperson of Kampala Rice Traders Association, said.

Asadu clarified that withholding tax is part of the business income tax for traders and is always accounted for during return filing.

“WHT exemptions do not mean that taxes will not be paid. It’s just a relief from not paying taxes at importation, but you pay it during the normal return filing period.”

On delays in clearance of rice, the commissioner said that the issue arises from understaffing, which URA is working on with the deployment of new staff.

Geoffrey Kawere Ssozi, the URA Dar es Salaam Customs Manager, told rice importers that being tax compliant is key in business as it eases the clearance of goods at borders.

“Our team is energised to facilitate you on all products originating from Tanzania. Remain compliant because compliance is very key when it comes to trade within the East African Community,” Ssozi said.

The traders applauded URA for always engaging taxpayers whenever called upon.

By Kamugisha Kabahweza Allan