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field visits to China and Malaysia along with a WCO training for the team to design the AEO
program in Uganda.
Different from the cases of Jordan and Turkey, Uganda Customs established a separate
department under the Risk Management Directorate to operationalize the AEO program.
Uganda Customs, operating under the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), commenced the
piloting of the AEO program in 2009 by setting up an AEO task team that chose 10 companies
to initiate the AEO application and authorization procedures in 2010. The program reached a
roll out stage and on 5th September 2013 and the URA formalized the status of these 10
companies that piloted the program by issuing them authorization certificates.
In its design, the AEO program in Uganda targeted importers and Customs agents first. Later,
exporters and bonded warehouses were included in the program. Currently, plans to involve
transporters and freight-forwarders are in way.
The awareness about the AEO program was created by inviting a diverse set of companies to
the Customs and giving seminars starting in 2010. In 2013, the AEO program was launched
with a grand event where the AEO pilot companies received their certificates in the presence
of 200 other firms. Moreover, the program was promoted in newspaper columns and radio talk
shows as well. Manuals for Customs officials and handbooks, brochures and group emails
through trade associations were the other awareness-creation channels used.
The main challenges that were faced in the design process of the AEO program in Uganda were
the high degree of informality experienced in the country coupled with the disbelief of firms
about the merits of the program.
4.3.1.3. Current Situation
Currently 51 companies in Uganda hold AEO status of which 23 are EAC Regional AEOs. Among
these 51 companies, 30 are importers, 11 are bonded warehouse operators and 21 are
Customs agents. These AEO companies account for 22 percent of trade volume in Uganda.
Current number of companies that hold a regional AEO certificate in EAC region is 82 of which
23 are Ugandan companies.
4.3.1.4. Mutual Recognition Agreements
Current
There are no MRAs signed by Uganda currently. However, there is a regional AEO certification
available in the EAC framework. A company is eligible to apply for the regional AEO
certification only after having the national one first. The application for the regional AEO
program requires less documentation and authorization process takes 30-60 days. EAC
delegates the power to grant the regional AEO certificate to the national Customs Authorities
of the EAC members. Therefore, once the regional AEO certificate is obtained, the company is
treated as an AEO in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania.
Potential
The simplified procedures for AEOs has had tremendous effect with regard to reducing the
cost associated with the movement and clearance of goods. The EAC is currently pursuing