URA CG, John Rujoki Musinguzi poses for a photo with AEO partners at a conference held at Speke Resort Hotel in Munyonyo on Friday.
Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) is deploying Authorized Economic Operation (AEO) program as one of the tools used to optimise resource utilisation.
The AEO is a strategic outlook to reward those clients that have partnered with URA to secure the international trade supply chain through voluntary compliance. It strengthens collaboration between government agencies and the private sector to facilitate legitimate trade, which in turn boosts our revenue, which is a crucial driver to Uganda’s economic independence.
URA adopted the AEO program and implemented it in line with its Mission and Vision, which emphasise voluntary compliance that will ultimately lead to the transformation of Uganda’s economy.
Uganda being a landlocked country, and a growing economy, URA Commissioner General, John Rujoki Musinguzi, says “It, therefore, requires initiatives geared towards trade facilitation like AEO to support the growing economy and remain competitive in the global trade environment.”
Data shows that 118 AEOs are responsible for more than 41% of the volumes of our international trade operations.
This means that over 41% of URA supply chain operations are handled by low-risk and reliable operators who benefit from managing themselves under the program.
For the FY 2021/22, AEOs contributed Shs 3.594Tn which was approximately 42% of the total customs revenue of Ugx. 8.444Tn.
“Overall, the program has significantly reduced clearance times and tremendously reduced the cost of doing business for both URA and our clients. Our dream is to have 80% of Customs taxes cleared by AEOs hence reducing the cost of our operations. Through the program, we aim to support our clients by making taxation and trade regulation engagements easier, more participatory, and more pleasant, with trust and transparency as the basis for our partnership,” Musinguzi says.
Musinguzi notes that the AEO program aims to improve “our efficiency, effectiveness, and a reduction in the cost of doing business, which is the bottom line for businesses and URA.”
“The cost reduction is expected to translate into more profitability and growth in trade and, eventually, more revenue contribution,” Musinguzi says.
URA’s strategy is to expand the AEO program through automation, enhanced benefits and the establishment of more Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRA) which will promote Regional trade.
Right now, Musinguzi says at the Regional level, Customs administrations have adopted a policy framework to allow the implementation of the program.
“This is good news for us because companies that have progressed from National AEO programs to the Regional level will be mutually recognized in the EAC Region and will be able to enjoy benefits in all the EAC member states when conducting business across the region. The realisation that almost half of the supply chain transactions are handled by our trusted partners gives us confidence that our Mission of ‘Mobilising revenue for National development in a transparent and efficient manner’ will be realised. I hope that we continue to work together as we scale out this program for its many benefits, including, but not limited to, reduction in the cost of doing business, increased turnover, improved quality of services, trustworthy and compliant business, and improved internal control systems. We congratulate and welcome the newly awarded AEOs to this premium club, which not only gives you special status when dealing with URA but also guarantees your recognition as low-risk and reliable traders,” Musinguzi said at an AEO conference held at Speke Resort Hotel in Munyonyo on Friday.
Below are the new AEOs and why they were admitted into the program.
CITATIONS FOR NEW AEO COMPANIES FOR THE FY 2022/23
| SN. | COMPANY NAME | CERTIFICATE NUMBER | CITATIONS |
| 1. | Bidco Uganda Limited | Registered in Uganda as a Manufacturer of household consumer products such as cooking oil, soap and detergents.
With a complex in Jinja built in a record of 10 months and officially launched in October 2000, Bidco Uganda Limited has since been producing high quality products that have been very well accepted in both the local and export markets. In the FYs 2020 – 2022 Bidco Uganda Limited contributed approximately Ugx 354 billion in revenue.
For her commitment to compliance and partnership with URA, the company is being authorized as a National AEO under the category of Manufacturer, Importer and Exporter. Ladies and Gentlemen please join me in welcoming Bidco Uganda Limited.
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| 2. | National Cement Company Uganda Limited | Registered in Uganda as a cement manufacturing company, National Cement Company Uganda Ltd is well known as Simba cement which is its brand name.
Its commercial production line -1 was launched in 2018 and it came in as a savior at a time when cement prices in Uganda were sky rocketing and it brought down cement prices. Line-2 production was launched in July 2022 doubled its capacity in order to meet the market demand. NCCL employs over 1200 people and therefore contributes a lot in reducing the rate of unemployment in the country. For the financial years 2020-2022 NCCL contributed of over 54 billion Shillings in revenue. NCCL contribution to the Ugandan economy is clear proof of commitment in playing a role in the development of Uganda. For her commitment to compliance and partnership with URA, the company is being authorized as a National AEO under the category of Manufacturer, Importer and Exporter. Ladies and Gentlemen please join me in welcoming National Cement Company Uganda Ltd.
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| 3. | Maina Speedy Limited | With its humble beginnings as Speedy Freight, it later merged with a British Logistics Company called Maina Ltd to morph into Maina Speedy Limited in 2003.
Through hard work consistency, resilience, coupled with strong partnership with URA, Maina Speedy Limited has grown into one of the leaders in Customs Clearing and Forwarding.
In the Financial Years 2020 – 2022 Maina Speedy Limited contributed approximately UGX. 89 billion in customs revenue.
For her commitment to compliance and partnership with URA, the company is being authorized as a National AEO in the Category of Clearing Agent and Freight Forwarder.
Ladies and Gentlemen please join me in welcoming Maina Speedy Limited.
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| 4. | B&S Group of Companies Limited | B&S Group of Companies Limited trading with the trademark B&S Produce with agribusiness as its core, has been in existence for over a decade with the final stages of investment completed in 2020.
Presently, B&S Group of Companies Limited owns an investment estimated at more than USD 1,000,000 in warehouses, plant and machinery on 1.69 hectares of land. They deal in export of fresh fruits, vegetables, grains and pulses namely avocado, chilli, matooke, kidney beans, among others to United Kingdom, The Netherlands and United Arab Emirates. As a result, the company has contributed approximately UGX 140,000,000 revenue in PAYE, VAT and WHT over the past 2 years. For her commitment to compliance and partnership with URA, the company is being authorized as a National AEO under the category of Importer and Exporter. Ladies and Gentlemen please join me in welcoming B&S Group of Companies Limited. |
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| 5. | Aramex Uganda Ltd | Established in 1982 at Amman and New York, Aramex is a Multinational Company with its head office now based in Dubai (UAE).
As a leading global provider of comprehensive logistics and transportation solutions, their breadth of services include express courier delivery, freight forwarding, logistics, supply chain management, e-commerce and record management services. Aramex Uganda Ltd was established in 2011 and currently employees 66 staff. For the past two years, Aramex Uganda Ltd has collected approximately about UGX.1,883,658,832
For her commitment to compliance and partnership with URA, the company is being authorized as a National AEO in the Category of Clearing Agent and a Freight Forwarding.
Ladies and Gentlemen please join me in welcoming Aramex Uganda Ltd. |
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| 6. | Upstream Limited | Upstream Limited is a leading Logistics service provider incorporated in Uganda in the year 2005. In 2010 it changed ownership and joined the Mitchell Cotts Freight Kenya to become the preferred logistics provider in Eastern Africa with Offices in Kampala, Entebbe International Airport, Malaba Border post and representation in all entry ports in Uganda.
Upstream Limited prides itself in efficient and effective service provision in Customs Freight Clearing and Forwarding, Warehousing and Collateral Management for major Banking and Financial Institutions in Uganda.
The clearing Agent and freight Forwarder industry leader has collected approximately Ugx 13,742,396,635/= in revenue collections.
For her commitment to compliance and partnership with URA, the company is being authorized as a National AEO in the Category of Clearing Agent and a Freight Forwarder.
Ladies and Gentlemen please join me in welcoming Upstream Limited.
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| 7. | The Grace Freight Forwarders Limited | The Grace Freight Forwarders Limited was incorporated on the 10th day of November 1998 as a freight forwarding and logistics company.
As a testimony to its voluntary compliance, the company has never been denied a license for the past 22 years of its existence. The Grace Freight Forwarders Limited credits its performance to its 12 competent, proficient, competitive, well trained and experienced team that executes the customs duties efficiently and effectively. In the Past two years the Clearing Agent and Freight Forwarding key player has collected approximately UGX.142,890,128,808 in Customs revenue.
For her commitment to compliance and partnership with URA, the company is being authorized as a National AEO in the Category of Clearing Agent and a Freight Forwarder.
Ladies and Gentlemen please join me in welcoming The Grace Freight Forwarders Limited.
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| 8. | Kach-Ap Global Forwarders Limited | Kach-Ap Global Forwarders Limited has been actively involved in international freight forwarding and Customs brokerage by offering specialized logistics services designed to the clients’ specifications since 2016.
The company thrives on a two-sided compliance policy where it ensures that the clients it transacts with are equally compliant. Indeed, in 2020/2021, Kach-Ap Global Forwarders Limited was recognized as one of the most complaint clearing agents.
In the Financial Years 2020-2022, Kach-Ap has registered over 10,000 entries and collected approximately UGX 781 billion in customs revenue.
For her commitment to compliance and partnership with URA, the company is being authorized as a National AEO in the Category of Clearing Agent and a Freight Forwarder.
Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming Kach-Ap Global Forwarders Limited.
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| 9. | Multiple Forwarders Uganda Limited | Multiple Forwarders Uganda Limited was incorporated in 1995 with the main purpose of clearing and forwarding, shipping, transportation and supply chain management.
As a testimony of its high level of voluntary compliance, the company has been a licensed clearing and forwarding agent since 1996 and has had a tax collection of approximately UGX.92,387,497,782 between the Financial Years of 2019 -2020.
For her commitment to compliance and partnership with URA, the company is being authorized as a National AEO in the Category of Clearing and Forwarding Agent.
Ladies and Gentlemen please join me in welcoming Multiple Forwarders Uganda Limited.
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| 10. | Bavima Steel Limited | Incorporated in 2013, Bavima Steel Limited started production in 2015and falls in the category of Large Tax Payers in Domestic Tax Department.
With seven years of producing high quality steel products, Bavima Steel Limited has made its mark in the Uganda steel industry. The company currently employs 110 staff. In 2020-2022, the Company’s contribution to revenue was approximately UGX 21 billion
For her commitment to compliance and partnership with URA, the company is being authorized as a National AEO in the Category of Manufacturer, Importer and Exporter.
Ladies and Gentlemen please join me in welcoming Bavima Steel Limited.
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| 11. | Trueline Africa Limited | As a professional Logistics & Freight Forwarding firm, Trueline Africa Limited was incorporated in 2012, and offers a wide range of services including; Air, Road and Ocean Freight, Customs Clearance, Project Cargo handling, Warehousing & Distribution services and Cargo Insurance.
The company has offices in Kampala, Malaba, Mombasa and Nimule.
Trueline Africa Limited has in the last two financial years collected approximately Ugx 14 trillion in customs revenue.
For her commitment to compliance and partnership with URA, the company is being authorized as a National AEO in the Category of Clearing Agent and a Freight Forwarder.
Ladies and Gentlemen please join me in welcoming Trueline Africa Limited.
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| 12. | Stabex International Limited | Stabex International Limited is an independent oil marketing company, incorporated in 2009, with a significant presence in East and Central African regions.
Stabex International is into the importation and distribution of fuel operating more than 91 fuel stations spread across Uganda under the brand name- STABEX.
It is the exclusive distributor of Texol lubricants in Uganda. For the FY 2021/2022 Stabex contributed UGX 108 billion in revenue.
For her commitment to compliance and partnership with URA, the company is being authorized as a National AEO in the Category of Importer and Exporter.
Ladies and Gentlemen please join me in welcoming Stabex International Limited.
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| 13. | MTN (Uganda) Limited | MTN was incorporated on 25 February 1998. MTN Uganda Limited is a Ugandan telecommunications operator with the strategic intent of providing telecommunications and digital solutions for Uganda’s progress.
MTN has a presence in all 134 districts of Uganda with an innovative range of products and services including voice, data, digital, and mobile financial services, delivered through a network of approximately 120,000 mobile money agents, 200 service stores, and 14 main distributors.
In 2021, MTN become the largest local listed company on Uganda Securities Exchange worth UGX 4 trillion and currently employing approximately 1,048 employees both indirectly and directly.
MTN is committed to dedicating 1% of its annual profit after tax to the MTN Foundation (corporate social investment activities) since 2007 thereby impacting millions of Ugandans’ lives.
MTN has been the largest taxpayer in Uganda for the last 10 years, having contributed approximately UGX 941 billion in revenue for the FY 2021/2022.
For her commitment to compliance and partnership with URA, the company is being authorized as a National AEO in the Category of Importer and Exporter.
Ladies and Gentlemen please join me in welcoming MTN (Uganda) Limited.
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| 14. | Dembe Trading Enterprises Limited | Dembe Trading Enterprises Ltd was founded in 1997 in Kampala, Uganda by Anil Damani.
It is the largest Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) Distribution House in East Africa with operations in Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Kenya. The Dembe Group has shown steady growth year-on-year and has been recognized by the URA among the large taxpayers with annual tax payments of over UGX 15BN. Dembe Group has created over 20,000 jobs along its value chain outlets across the country.
In response to the Government of Uganda’s Vision, 2022 and the support of Governments Buy Uganda Build Uganda (“BUBU”) strategic vision through its affiliate Ponders Limited has constructed industries at its AMARA Industrial Park complex in Mbalala, along the Kampala –Jinja Highway.
For her commitment to compliance and partnership with URA, the company is being authorized as a National AEO in the Category of Importer and Exporter.
Ladies and Gentlemen please join me in welcoming Dembe Trading Enterprises Limited.
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| 15. | Engineering Solutions (U) Limited | Incorporated in February 2001 by James & Julie Middleton, Engineering Solutions (U) Limited was one of the pioneers of steel fabrication and manufacturing of agricultural trailers, water bowsers & implements.
The company Imports AGROMASTER & FALCON agricultural implements from Turkey & South Africa, TATU and Baldan implement from Brazil.
It is also the appointed distributor for Tractors & Farm Equipment who manufacture TAFE and dealer of Massey Ferguson tractors and combines.
Engineering Solutions (U) Limited has over 50 permanent employees and boosts of 100% Ugandan shareholders, directors & staff.
In the past two years, the company has contributed UGX 3,409,958,730 in revenue.
For her commitment to compliance and partnership with URA, the company is being authorized as a National AEO in the Category of Importer and Exporter.
Ladies and Gentlemen please join me in welcoming Engineering Solutions (U) Limited.
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| 16. | Hengchang Plastic (U) Company Limited | Hengchang Plastic (U) Co Ltd was incorporated in Uganda in 2006.
The company is a key player in the Plastics industry manufacturing armchairs, flasks, jerry cans, jumbo bottles, and many more, catering to the needs of food, oils, and water industries.
The company’s broad objective is to provide affordable quality containers and to be a reliable supplier which is in line with the Policy of “Buy Uganda Build Uganda” (BUBU).
For the FY 2022/23, Hengchang Plastic (U) Company Limited contributed UGX 11,835,010,551 in revenue.
For her commitment to compliance and partnership with URA, the company is being authorized as a National AEO in the Category of Manufacturer, Importer and Exporter.
Ladies and Gentlemen please join me in welcoming Hengchang Plastic (U) Company Limited.
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| 17. | DAMCO Logistics Uganda Limited | DAMCO Uganda Limited commenced business in Uganda in 1997 and is presently one of the world’s leading providers of freight forwarding and supply chain management services.
The company has managed to remain a top player in the industry by simplifying and refining mechanisms of receiving their customer’s feedback. It has fostered Customer’s business growth through value-effective services, which meet their exact needs.
Additionally, through digitalization, DAMCO is empowering its customers and staff to be able to make improved business decisions based on integrity, real-time information and ensure they can effectively manage risks by rapidly responding and reacting to disruptions and changing market situations.
For her commitment to compliance and partnership with URA, the company is being authorized as a National AEO in the Category of Clearing Agent and a Freight Forwarder.
Ladies and Gentlemen please join me in welcoming DAMCO Logistics Uganda Limited.
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| 18. | United WorldWide Forwarders (U) Limited | United Worldwide Forwarders commenced business in Uganda in 2001 and has earned a reputation as credible clearing and forwarding company, a transporter by sea and road. It has its headquarters in Jinja with branches in Kampala, Malaba, Busia, Entebbe and Elegu.
The company prides itself on providing first-class service and delivered by its well-trained and experienced human resources.
For the last financial year 2021/2022, the company facilitated collections of UGX 20,069,880,393 in revenue.
Ladies and Gentlemen please join me in welcoming United WorldWide Forwarders (U) Limited. |
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| 19. | Bhumi Logistics Limited | Bhumi Logistics Limited is a modern Logistics company focused on handling its customers’ handling clearing and forwarding of goods. They provide Logistics services worldwide.
Bhumi Logistics Limited was established in 2017 as a young and dynamic freight forwarding & Customs Clearing logistics management company delivering a cost-effective solution tailored to meet the specific requirements of customers domestically and internationally.
Bhumi Logistics Limited is a member of the World Cargo Alliance (WCA) and qualified by the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU).
Currently, the employs 15 staff and has a Goal Oriented Vision that clearly identifies it to become a Leading Logistics Company in East Africa.
For the FY 2021/2022 Bhumi Logistics Limited contributed over UGX 300million in revenue. For her commitment to compliance and partnership with URA, the company is being authorized as a National AEO in the Category of Clearing Agent and a Freight Forwarder.
Ladies and Gentlemen please join me in welcoming Bhumi Logistics Limited.
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| 20. | Overseas Freight Forwarders Limited | Overseas Freight Forwarders Ltd is a reknown competent partner for clearing and forwarding, procurement, and import and export services.
Overseas freight forwarders Limited was incorporated in 1999, currently located at plot 49, Rovis Apartments, Ntinda Road, Nakawa Division, Uganda.
For her commitment to compliance and partnership with URA, the company is being authorized as a National AEO in the Category of Clearing Agent and a Freight Forwarder.
Ladies and Gentlemen please join me in welcoming Overseas Freight Forwarders Limited.
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| 21. | Afriasia Global Logistics Ltd | Afriasia Global Logistics Ltd is located in Kampala Nakawa Division Nakawa D Ntinda village.
Afriasia Global Logistics Ltd Commenced Business on 24th May 2018 and mainly deals in Customs Clearing, Forwarding and Transportation.
The company is determined to continuously improve its service delivery methods and policies with objective of always providing clients with the day to day clearing, forwarding and transportation solutions.
For her commitment to compliance and partnership with URA, the company is being authorized as a National AEO in the Category of Clearing Agent and a Freight Forwarder.
Ladies and Gentlemen please join me in welcoming Afriasia Global Logistics Limited. |
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| 22. | Wamuco Motors Uganda Ltd | Since 1995 Wamuco Motors Uganda Ltd has been meeting the day-to-day needs of vehicle owners with quality service at an affordable rate.
The 100% Ugandan-owned enterprise offers a fully equipped workshop with all the necessary equipment such as Compressor machines, Arch welding machines, Gas welding machines, and Service pits and supplies spare parts for all types of cars with VIP treatment. For the FY 2021/22 Wamuco Motors Uganda Ltd has contributed UGX. 920m in revenue.
For her commitment to compliance and partnership with URA, the company is being authorized as a National AEO in the Category of Importer and Exporter.
Ladies and Gentlemen please join me in welcoming Wamuco Motors Uganda Limited.
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| 23. | Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL) | Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL) is a subsidiary of East African Breweries plc, the region’s leading beverage Alcohol Company in which Diageo is a majority shareholder.
UBL has been a leading brewer in Uganda since it began operations in 1946. Located in Port Bell Luzira on the outskirts of Kampala. Uganda Breweries employs over five hundred and eighty staff and in July 2022 UBL was voted the Best Employer by the federation of Uganda employers. In 2021, UBL paid out an annual tax of over UGX 420 billion.
For her commitment to compliance and partnership with URA, the company is being authorized as a National AEO in the Category of Manufacturer, Importer and Exporter.
Ladies and Gentlemen please join me in welcoming Uganda Breweries Limited. |
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| 24. | Afro Finance and Leasing Limited | Incorporated in 2018, Afro Finance and Leasing Limited started as a leasing business but was significantly affected by the Covid 19 pandemic. The company diverted to the trading of one of the world class home appliances and electronics brand “GEEPAS”.
Geepas brand has presence in 85 countries including Uganda with over 1,500 products. Afro Finance and Leasing Limited is the exclusive distributor of the Geepas brand in Uganda and brings you quality products at an affordable price.
For the last two financial years Afro Finance and Leasing Limited has contributed taxes worth UGX 920,250,278. For her commitment to compliance and partnership with URA, the company is being authorized as a National AEO in the Category of Importer and Exporter.
Ladies and Gentlemen please join me in welcoming Afro Finance and Leasing Limited.
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