The automation and consequent adaptation of online tax systems over the last two years has pushed up revenue collected by the Uganda Revenue Authority by 21% over the last two years.
According to New Vision Uganda, The implementation of the Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS) saved the authority (URA) $434,107 (sh1.2b) between May and November last year, during which 9,350 consignments were tracked. This is in start contast with previous years when sh130,000 for the physical escort of a truck from the port was included.
“The clearance time is now one day down from five days and businesses can access and monitor their declarations, so those who are used to earning from telling lies are no more,” said URA’s commissioner for customs, Richard Kamajugo.
He added that the automated systems, which include the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) have reduced waste and improved overall efficiencies and reduced waste.
Revenue collections rose from $427m in October 2013 to $518m in 2014 and from $534m in November 2013 to $644m in 2014.
Kamajugo was speaking while hosting officials from TradeMark East Africa (TMEA) and DFID, at Nakawa on Wednesday the two being major funders of the move towards improving tax processing systems and overall infrastructure in the country.
Kamajugo said different stakeholders have embraced the web-based transactions as it makes them relevant and do more business,”. The systems have been rolled out progressively from April 2013 to December 2014.
There are currently 33 out of 34 stations using the system. To date, 98% of total customs transactions and customs revenue are collected using ASYCUDA World. URA projects that by March 2015, all the customs shall be covered by ASYCUDA World.
