URA Moves to Assist Traders Affected by Container Leaders’ Fraud

The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has announced urgent measures to support traders whose goods have been unfairly withheld by so-called “container leaders,” following a surge in public outcry and complaints of undelivered merchandise.

In a public notice published Thursday, URA management acknowledged mounting concerns from importers whose cargo—shipped into the country under various companies and individuals—has been delayed, withheld, or mismanaged by these intermediaries.

According to URA, these “container leaders” have been accused of evading government taxes, overcharging unsuspecting traders, and then blaming the tax agency for the resulting delays.

“Container Leaders, in an effort to evade government taxes and also overcharge the unsuspecting importers, continue to withhold and delay the declaration and clearance of traders’ goods, while falsely blaming URA for the delays,” the notice reads.

The companies and individuals already known to URA as being involved include: Busundo Investments, Def Klin Enterprise, Twine Logistics, Kyalusunga Investments, Maris Cargo U Ltd (Maria’s Cargo), Allia International, Awie Logistics Group Uganda, Lyon Shipping and Freight Co., Ship with US Cargo, Chemical Ali, Lift and Ride Cargo Agencies, Sifcargo, Finiva Logistics, Alivia Cargo Ltd, Ssalongo Cargo, Simba Land, Gold Medal Supply and Logistics Ltd, Avirun Logistics, Odman Holdings, Junction Mall Ltd, M & E Logistics, Mevak Logistics, Campsbay Impex, Credify Africa Inc., B & P Limited, Segtex Logistics, Timways, Timothy Sserunjoji, Intra Cargo Uganda SMC Ltd, Apex Forwarders, Kaketo Pius, Mzeei Mukasa, and Faruk Mubiru.

URA Commissioner General John Musinguzi urged all affected traders to formally report their cases to the authority’s headquarters.

“We are aware of the hardships traders are facing due to unscrupulous container leaders. URA is here to help. We are tired of container leaders withholding traders’ goods and blaming URA. So, If your goods have been delayed or withheld, we invite you to come forward with your documentation so we can assist you in tracking your cargo and ensure it is released after paying the applicable taxes,” said Musinguzi.

Traders have been advised to visit the 16th Floor of the URA Tower in Nakawa, Kampala, and register their complaints at the Commissioner Executive Office Operations. To facilitate the process, traders are encouraged to bring evidence of their transactions, including national identification, payment receipts to the shipping agency, packing lists or invoices, bills of lading, and any correspondence with the logistics provider.

In the same notice, URA issued a stern warning to all companies and individuals engaged in the practice of container leading, describing it as a fraudulent method of trade.

“By this notice, all companies and individuals involved in container leading are further warned to stop this fraudulent method of trade. URA remains committed to fostering a transparent trade environment,” the notice states.

The move is expected to bring relief to hundreds of importers whose businesses have been disrupted by the actions of rogue intermediaries, and to reinforce URA’s commitment to a fair and transparent trading environment in Uganda.