By Kabahweza Kamugisha Allan
Revenue officials from the Democratic Republic of Congo have concluded a 9-day benchmark on the Uganda Revenue Authority’s One Stop Border Posts in preparation for installation of the customs office at the Mahagi border.
Speaking at the closure of the benchmark, the Assistant Commissioner for Learning and Development, Irene Mbabazi Irumba, appreciated the partnership and how the two countries have support one another.
“Uganda and DRC share the same interests and mandate of facilitating trade and making our nations independent by collecting enough revenue to ensure our citizens get better services,” said Irumba.
She also appreciated their zeal for sharing knowledge as an avenue for building the capacity of staff from both countries.
Fiona Tubeine Nyamurungi, the Manager of the Transit Monitoring Unit at URA emphasized the need to apply the recommendations agreed upon, which included creating space for Uganda at Mahagi and Kasindi as an intermediate solution to facilitate trade.
“For OSBP to be operationalized, there is a need to reorganize the offices. Create space for our officers so that we can work together to facilitate trade smoothly for the benefit of both countries,” said Nyamurungi.
On the other hand, the Assistant Director, General Directorate of Customs and Excise (DGDA), Dido Ilembwa Bosekompanda, appreciated URA’s hospitality throughout the benchmark and the knowledge shared on one-stop border points, saying that the knowledge will build the revenue officials’ capacity to control movement at customs.
“Our presence here in Uganda is to see that we work together as customs officers, build relationships among customs officers, and gain the capacity to attain the objectives of OSBP,” Bosekompanda.
Meanwhile, the delegation also visited the Malaba OSBP, and the Uganda – DR Congo borders of Goli/Mahagi, Mpondwe/Kasindi, Padeah/Karombo, Lia/Ombayi and Vurra/Aru.
