Summary:
Despite URA’s efforts to mobilize attendees through various communication channels, fewer than five businessmen turned up for the one-day meeting held at Mountain Breeze Hotel in Kisoro Municipality.
KISORO: The business community in Kisoro District on Tuesday boycotted a Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) meeting intended to educate manufacturers and wholesalers on the Digital Tracking Solution (DTS), a tool aimed at curbing illegal trade.
Despite URA’s efforts to mobilize attendees through various communication channels, fewer than five businessmen turned up for the one-day meeting held at Mountain Breeze Hotel in Kisoro Municipality.
Richard Mugarura, URA’s Supervisor of Domestic Taxes for southwestern Uganda, expressed disappointment over the poor turnout. He underscored the importance of legal business operations, warning that illegal trade poses significant risks to both traders and the public.
CUE IN MUGARURA… ON ILLEGAL TRADE… ENG//
Alex Bagaragaza, the Revenue Officer for Kisoro Municipality, urged wholesalers and manufacturers to register their businesses with the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS). He warned that non-compliance could result in a UGX 50 million fine, as stipulated in the Ugandan constitution. Bagaragaza emphasized that law enforcement agencies would take strict measures to eliminate illegal businesses.
CUE IN BAGARAGAZA… ON WARNING… RR//
Among the few who attended were Vincent Funi Dusabe, Executive Director of Funico Consultants Limited, and Kwizera Moses of Chuma and Sons Shop. They attributed the low turnout to market day commitments, which they said made it difficult for traders to attend the meeting.
CUE IN PARTICIPANTS…….ON VOXPOP……RR//
