The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has issued new passenger rules at Entebbe International Airport in an effort to combat corruption and increase tax compliance. The new guidelines provide clarity on the procedures at the arrivals section, guide on taxable and non-taxable items, restricted items, and illegal items that a traveller may arrive in the country with.
Passengers arriving at Entebbe airport will now be required to undergo clearance procedures through either the green or red channels. Passengers with nothing to declare to customs or with baggage consisting of only goods within the prescribed passenger allowance shall exit the passenger terminal through the green channel. However, goods for personal use must not exceed the value of $500, and passengers must have an authentic receipt confirming the value that corresponds with the items.
The guidelines also require passengers to have a Tax Identification Number (TIN) to facilitate clearing taxes. Additionally, passengers arriving into the country cannot use a clearing agent, but must present their baggage before a customs officer on duty in person. The baggage will be examined in the presence of the owner.
Passengers with dutiable or restricted goods shall go through the red channel to declare their goods through a simplified declaration form known as PB4. The PB4 is only used to declare goods whose value does not exceed $2,000. A passenger would be cleared through the exit terminal after paying the appropriate customs taxes. Goods whose value exceeds $2,000 will require the services of a clearing agent and clearance will be done through the cargo terminal.
The move by URA is part of a wider campaign to eliminate corruption and increase tax compliance at the airport. In January, Entebbe airport was under a cloud over extortion exposure involving service providers, including immigration, customs, cleaning, and ground handling services. The new guidelines are aimed at illuminating the shadowy areas that create loopholes for corruption.
Michael Wakabi, an aviation expert and regular traveller, said, “It’s common for URA agents to fleece unsuspecting travellers, claiming taxes on items that are supposed to be tax-free. I think it is part of the ongoing campaign to try and clean up the place.”
The move by URA comes after a call by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for various agencies operating at the airport to streamline their operations and share details of their mandate and processes to make it easier for passengers. The guidelines have been welcomed by many travellers who have been unaware of customs protocols, including basic ones such as carrying cash in excess of $10,000 that must be declared at customs on arrival.
Overall, the new guidelines aim to ensure that customs procedures at Entebbe airport are transparent and clear, and to prevent customs officials from exploiting unsuspecting travellers. By increasing tax compliance, the URA hopes to boost revenue and help the government fund key projects that will benefit the people of Uganda.
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