URA has trained manufacturers to boost Import substitution and export growth, driving Uganda’s GDP forward. This training which was held at UMA hall provided insights on the duty remission scheme and its benefits.

Brenda Wenene, the Ag. Assistant Commissioner of Trade noted that proper record-keeping and tax compliance are key to accessing duty remissions on specific products.

“Evidence of filing quarterly returns to the Commissioner giving relevant information on the input-output coefficient (IOC) for the products obtained from the raw materials granted to manufactures for the previous period of duty remission,” explained Wenene.

The Manager Tariff, Alexander Rubanga on the other hand, reminded the manufacturers of their obligations of; submitting returns quarterly and ensure they do not to exceed quantities for which have been gazetted, pay duty on any imported goods approved under the duty remission scheme.

Manufacturers speak

The Manager of Policy and Advocacy at UMA, Allan Senyonjo, reminded of the need for timely submission of their applications.

“Duty remission is a facility that has been put in place to make sure that our businesses become more competitive. All the duties we shall be paying on our raw materials have been remitted to zero, and others have been reduced from 25% to 10%,” he explained.

He added, “Over the years, manufacturers applying for this scheme have been growing. We are getting to know how to make our products more competitive not only within the region but also for those that are exporting to outside markets.”

On accessibility, Senyonjo testified that all the members who applied for the scheme in the FY 2023/24 benefited as the required quantities were granted.

Meanwhile, Duty remission is a reduction of duty on goods imported for the manufacture of goods into a partner state.

The EACCMA 2004 provides for regional duty remission that is granted to all partner states on goods imported for use in the manufacture of approved goods for home consumption and country-specific duty remission granted upon a request by a partner state.

By Joshua Niyonshima