The automation and consequent adaptation of online tax system has led to a 21% increase in revenue collection by the Uganda Revenue Authority, over the last two years.
According to New Vision Uganda, The implementation of the Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS) saved URA (which is responsible for the assessment, collection and accounting of various forms of tax revenues in Uganda) $434,107 (sh1.2b) between May and November last year, during which 9,350 consignments were tracked. This is in sharp contrast with previous years when sh130,000 for the physical escort of a truck from the port was included.
URA Commissioner for Custom Richard Kamajugo, while hosting officials from TradeMark East Africa (TMEA) and DFID, at Nakawa stated, “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.”
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.
Asycuda World is a web-based Custom management system that supports paperless cargo submission and processing through the use of electronic documents.
TradeMark East Africa (TMEA) and Department For International Development (DFID) are said to be major funders of the move towards improving tax processing systems and overall infrastructure in the country.
URA introduced Asycuda in Uganda in 1997, starting with Asycuda 2.7, then Asycuda++ in 2004, and now the latest version Asycuda World. URA says, there are currently 33 out of 34 stations using the system and 98% total customs transactions and revenue are collected using ASYCUDA World.
