By Irene Kabakama
A delegation from the National Revenue Authority of Sierra Leone is attending a week-long meeting on URA ‘s Digital Tracking Solution (DTS) processes.
According to Hon. Kadiatu Alie, the Deputy Minister of Finance in Sierra Leone, the visit is a continuation of the team’s first benchmark to URA in which the conversation of affixing stamps on products for tax purposes was iniated.
John R. Musinguzi, the Commissioner General of URA on the other hand, has encouraged Sierra Leone to adopt the technology, noting that digital tax stamps yield results when fully adopted and properly implemented.
He advised the team to map out the goods that they intend to track, estimate their numbers and prepare for the negotiation and contracting phases.
Musinguzi also tipped them to enforce usage of the technology to prevent the activation of fake stamps.
Also speaking to the delegation, Robert Mutebi, the Commissioner of Information Technology and Innovation at URA, advised the team to consider the changing customs regulations, particularly for imported goods that need to be stored in gazetted warehouses and stamped before hitting the market.
“When implementing new technologies, the focus should be on solving problems in a way that aligns with the customer journey and the value chain,” Mutebi added.
The delegation is also comprised of Jeneba Bangura, the Commissioner General of the National Revenue Authority of Sierra Leone, who noted that they plan to use the acquired knowledge to implement a similar solution back home.
“I have noted that successful implementation of DTS requires great collaboration, support, and integration. This way, the team can easily gather data and stay ahead of time,” she remarked.
