Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) Customs has pledged to enhance support for businesses interested in joining the Authorised Economic Operators (AEO) Program to streamline trade processes and improve business facilitation.

The announcement was made during an engagement with potential AEOs at URA’s Sendaula Hall last Friday. The team led by the Ag. Commissioner of the Customs Department, Haji Asadu Kisitu, outlined plans to enlist more participants in the program.

“We are ready to onboard and assist you in joining the program,” Kisitu said, reaffirming URA’s commitment to fostering strong partnerships with stakeholders in Uganda’s trade sector.

He instructed his team to provide all necessary information to potential AEOs to facilitate a smooth onboarding process.

Kisitu also highlighted the critical role that AEOs play in Uganda’s economy, noting that these select entities are responsible for contributing 60% of the country’s international trade taxes and making a substantial impact on domestic tax revenues.

He further emphasized the benefits of the AEO program, including the auto-renewal of licenses for clearing firms and the automatic renewal of Tax Clearance Certificates.

The program’s advantages, as outlined by Ag. Assistant Commissioner of Risk Management, Rumanyika Charles, include faster customs clearance, reduced physical inspections, priority treatment at customs, simplified procedures, and enhanced trade facilitation.

In addition, AEOs benefit from an improved reputation for security and compliance.

A representative from the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) was also present at the meeting, providing clarification on issues affecting traders and suggesting solutions, such as integrating their systems with URA to expedite the faster release of low-risk products.

By Joshua Niyonshima