The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Representatives from 24 countries of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) of East and Southern Africa are in Uganda to participate in a two-day 22nd governance council meeting that is discussing tax matters.
The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and the Uganda Revenue Authority are taking the lead in this meeting on behalf of the government of Uganda.
Speaking at the opening of the meeting at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Doris Akol, the Commissioner General for URA, said the meeting would discuss customs challenges related to illicit trade, money laundering and threats like terrorism financing that come along with this practice. The other issues are relating with cross border security, diversion of transit cargo, technology evolution and more.
“These problems are not an end to themselves…they make us look for opportunities and share solutions to manage them,” Akol said.
Kunio Mikuriya, the WCO secretary general said managing customs challenges needs concerted efforts, skills and expertise.
“…when we do that then we will not only be boosting revenue collection but also facilitating trade,” Mikuriya said.
He said that workable customs reforms and policies would support growth of regional integration for various countries and promote economic growth.
In a speech, Finance Minister Matia Kasaija, said government is implementing good customs policies and ultimately easing the cost of doing business which is important in transforming Uganda into a prosperous and good investment country.
Over 50 participants are taking part in the meeting.
A group photo of the World Customs Organisation East & Southern Africa Governing Council @spekeresort Munyonyo,Kampala #TradeFacilitation pic.twitter.com/MubGrXPABB
— UgandaRevenueAuthori (@URAuganda) May 11, 2017
A capacity building website https://t.co/85D597w1Cm has been launched today during the 22nd WCO-ESA governing council #TradeFacilitation pic.twitter.com/aV6b26lqS4
Advertisement— UgandaRevenueAuthori (@URAuganda) May 11, 2017
“Borders divide countries,Customs authorities unite them “, Kunio Mikuriya, Secretary General World Customs Organization #TradeFacilitation pic.twitter.com/b8K5MAiY6q
— UgandaRevenueAuthori (@URAuganda) May 11, 2017
@URAuganda Commissioner Customs; Dicksons kateshumbwa has opened the WCO-ESA Governing Council Mtg @spekeresort Munyonyo #TradeFacilitation pic.twitter.com/P3i6zTlX8Z
— UgandaRevenueAuthori (@URAuganda) May 11, 2017
International delegates have been blown away by the rich Ugandan culture on display @ the WCO-ESA Governing Council thanks to @NdereTroupe pic.twitter.com/7muARKi7bh
— UgandaRevenueAuthori (@URAuganda) May 11, 2017
