Story by Obed Kankiriho
Traders in Kisoro District boycotted a Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) meeting today, intended to educate manufacturers and wholesalers on the Digital Tracking Solution (DTS), a tool designed to combat illegal trade.
Despite URA’s efforts to mobilize attendees, fewer than five business owners attended the one-day session at Mountain Breeze Hotel in Kisoro Municipality.
Richard Mugarura, URA’s Supervisor of Domestic Taxes for southwestern Uganda, expressed disappointment over the low turnout, highlighting the importance of legal business operations and warning against the risks of illegal trade.
Alex Bagaragaza, the Revenue Officer for Kisoro Municipality, urged wholesalers and manufacturers to register with the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), warning that non-compliance could lead to a UGX 50 million fine as outlined in the Ugandan constitution. He added that law enforcement agencies would take strict measures to eliminate illegal businesses.
Among the few attendees were Vincent Funi Dusabe, Executive Director of Funico Consultants Limited, and Kwizera Moses of Chuma and Sons Shop. They attributed the low attendance to market day commitments, which made it difficult for many traders to participate.
