Africa-Press – Uganda. Clearing and forwarding agents under the Uganda Clearing Industry and Forwarding Association (UCIFA) have raised alarm over what they describe as unfair and restrictive licensing policies, saying the current system stifles trade and burdens small operators.
Speaking during the association’s Annual General Meeting 2025, held under the theme “Financial Sustainability and Personal Growth,” members voiced frustration at licensing procedures they said were lacking in transparency and difficult to navigate.
“This process is supposed to support us, not lock us out of the business,” one member remarked, calling for reforms that reflect the realities of Uganda’s clearing and forwarding environment.
UCIFA Chairman Alhaji Jaffer Abdallah defended the need for licensing but acknowledged members’ concerns.
“We are agents of customs; we help customs do the declaration. Licensing is not something we can eliminate,” he said, urging dialogue to improve the process.
Abel Kagumira, Commissioner of Customs at the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), challenged industry players to prioritize faster clearance processes and greater compliance.
He noted persistent issues such as inconsistent declarations, professionalism gaps, and weak infrastructure at certain border points.
“We must strengthen internal integrity systems to root out any form of corruption,” Kagumira said. “Finalizing the standardization process and resolving container loader challenges should be top priorities.”
Kagumira also revealed that UCIFA has surpassed Shs 160 billion in annual revenue, underscoring the sector’s growing economic significance.
In his remarks, Alhaji Jaffer emphasized the association’s progress in empowering its members through internal reforms and partnerships, noting that since 2019, UCIFA has expanded its storage capacity and boosted revenue.
A key highlight of the meeting was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UCIFA, Capital Pay, FUCAFF, and Centenary Bank.
The agreement aims to promote fair competition, support the formalization of businesses, and strengthen cooperation between the private sector and public institutions—particularly to benefit new and smaller operators.
The event closed with renewed calls for reforms to ensure the clearing and forwarding industry becomes more accessible, efficient, and equitable for all players.
For More News And Analysis About Uganda Follow Africa-Press
