Share this article

The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) engaged in a seven-day meeting with South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to enhance trade facilitation and customs operations.

The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) held talks with South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to improve trade facilitation and enhance collaboration. This initiative was part of a recent seven-day benchmark meeting for bilateral engagement with the South Sudan Revenue Authority and the DRC, organised by the Northern Corridor and Transport Coordination Authority (NCTTCA) due to the friendly relations between the neighbouring countries.

The discussions also included exploring alternative trade routes beyond land. Godson Mwesigye, Assistant Commissioner of Enforcement, highlighted that the DRC has been effectively working with Uganda through a similar customs system known as ASYCUDA. Efforts are underway to synchronise the two systems to facilitate integration and streamline trade between the countries.

Through the Directorate General of Tax Administration (DGTA) and URA, the engagement aims to reinforce the positive bilateral relationship and harmonise customs operations. This includes operationalising one-stop border points such as the one at Goli and implementing simplified trade regimes to ease trading for citizens using simplified mechanisms.

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

Peter Gikwiyakare, Deputy Director of Customs and Trade at NCTTCA, acknowledged URA’s crucial role in facilitating these discussions. He noted that system integration is a recurring issue in engagements with stakeholders as it impacts the movement of goods. “We hope this meeting will resolve those challenges to enable the free movement of goods,” he stated.

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, stating that it provides a crucial platform for addressing important continental issues and strengthening relations.

Trade integration is expected to significantly boost trade, especially in border areas like Bunangana and Mpondwe. Improvements in infrastructure, including roads and railways, are anticipated outcomes. By simplifying trade exchanges, this integration aims to reduce logistics costs, benefiting the economies of member states.

Asadu Kisitu Kigozi, Acting Commissioner of Customs, praised NCTTCA as a valuable partner in supporting efforts to integrate customs systems and facilitate data exchange with a system interface. “Successfully implementing this interface will lead to more streamlined processes that enhance trade facilitation, ultimately improving trade balances,” Kigozi added.

Experts emphasised the importance of representation from all involved countries to collectively address shared challenges, improve clearance processes, enhance data exchange, and monitor goods transit to DRC and South Sudan. The DRC also noted plans to replicate this system integration with the DGDA, serving as a pilot for resolving similar challenges in other regions.