Imagine a cargo truck crossing borders without prolonged waits, with streamlined documentation processes allowing goods to reach markets faster. This vision not only reduces operational costs for businesses but significantly boosts trade efficiency, injecting new vitality into national economic development. The World Customs Organization (WCO) is actively supporting Uganda in realizing this ambition through strategic initiatives.
WCO's Comprehensive Assessment in Uganda
At the request of the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and to support effective implementation of the World Trade Organization's Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), WCO dispatched an expert team to Uganda from September 18-23, 2017. The mission conducted a thorough evaluation of Uganda's existing trade facilitation practices to inform future collaboration.
The delegation engaged in technical discussions with senior Ugandan customs officials across critical areas including strategic planning, Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programs, risk management, human resource development, post-clearance audits, and information technology applications.
Additionally, the team consulted with Uganda's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives and key development partners in trade facilitation, while conducting field inspections at the Mutukula One-Stop Border Post along the Tanzania-Uganda border.
Since 2006, URA has consistently implemented WCO tools and standards as strategic instruments for achieving revenue collection, trade facilitation, and trade security objectives.
Strategic Framework: WCO Tools as Foundation
Uganda's customs administration has built its trade facilitation system on several WCO frameworks including the SAFE Framework of Standards, Risk Management Compendium, Framework of Practices and Principles on Customs Professionalism, and Leadership and Management Development Programme.
WCO particularly commended Uganda's recent launch of a Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System and establishment of a centralized Customs Document Processing Centre, recognizing these as crucial milestones in advancing the country's trade facilitation agenda.
Integrated Development Planning
The assessment created an opportunity to align WCO programs, including the East African Community's CREATe initiative, with Uganda's TFA-related capacity building needs. This integration will inform a comprehensive multi-year development plan providing Uganda with clear guidance for enhancing trade facilitation.
The plan will also establish a platform for Uganda to share its successful practices with other landlocked developing countries, facilitating mutual learning and improvement in trade facilitation standards.
Key Implementation Measures
Several strategic initiatives form the backbone of Uganda's trade facilitation progress:
Authorized Economic Operator Program: This certification system grants streamlined customs procedures to compliant businesses, reducing processing times and operational costs.
Enhanced Risk Management: By implementing WCO's Risk Management Compendium, Uganda Customs can focus resources on high-risk shipments while facilitating low-risk trade.
Post-Clearance Audits: These verification processes after goods release help maintain compliance while reducing border delays.
Electronic Cargo Tracking: The regional tracking system improves supply chain visibility and security for cross-border shipments.
Centralized Document Processing: This consolidation of customs paperwork reduces processing times and minimizes errors.
Commitment and Future Directions
WCO experts praised Uganda's recent TFA ratification and notification of Category B and C commitments following its 2015 Category A notification. The organization pledged continued support through technical assistance and capacity building to help Uganda develop a more efficient, secure trade environment.
Following the assessment, WCO presented findings to URA's Customs Commissioner and will submit a detailed Mercator Strategy implementation plan in subsequent weeks, outlining actionable steps for achieving Uganda's trade facilitation objectives.