By Clare Sanyu
Recently, a team from the URA office in Arua met with Maj. Gen. Dick Olum, the UPDF Commander of the Mountain Division and Operation Shujaa in DR Congo, to seek support in encountering emerging challenges, especially in cross-border trade.
Deogratius Kaleebi, the Supervisor of Customs in the Northern Region, requested Gen. Olum to support URA in addressing the smuggling of goods through porous borders, the sale of fuel along the streets, misinformation by leaders, and hostility from the communities.
He also briefed him on the ongoing campaign for the registration of motorcycles in the region and called upon the General to remind the community to comply before the expiry of the period in June 2024.
In response, General Olum mentioned that the enactment of bi-laws could help counter some of the challenges. He promised to engage his counterparts on the issues and invite URA to participate in the youth industrial and mindset change programs as part of the interventions.
He also commended URA for effectively executing its mandate and challenged the team to create rapport with the communities they serve.
“People will call you names but don’t take offense. Be humble, consistent, and armed with the right information, and you will win. I also implore you to invest in the community and use every opportunity to positively impact those who will receive you after your work life.”
