The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has said it recently acquired a state-of-the-art machine to facilitate comprehensive tests on imported rice, enabling the determination of its country of origin.

The National Agricultural Research Organization has provided this advanced machine to support URA in its efforts.

This acquisition comes at a crucial time when trucks transporting rice imports from Tanzania have been detained at the Mutukula border due to suspicions of importing mixed rice from various sources.

According to the East African Community Common External Tariff (EAC-CET), the importation of rice from outside the EAC is subject to a 75% import duty, while rice sourced from within the EAC enjoys a 0% import duty.

Importing mixed rice results in misdeclaration and potential revenue loss. By acquiring this testing machine, URA aims to effectively address these issues, ensuring prompt clearance of legitimate imports and curbing any leakage.

During an engagement with rice importers held at the URA headquarters in Nakawa last week, Commissioner General John Musinguzi emphasised URA’s commitment to creating a level playing field and promoting fair competition.

Hence, the authority remains vigilant regarding rice originating from outside the East African community.

Musinguzi further reported that 85% of the previously detained trucks at Mutukula have been released following thorough tests conducted by URA’s Tax Investigations department.