Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) Commissioner General, John Musinguzi, has revealed to the Parliamentary Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities, and State Enterprises (COSASE) that more than 100 containers belonging to Ugandan traders remain stranded at the Port of Mombasa.
The delay is attributed to the failure of owners to show up for clearance.
Speaking before the committee chaired by Busiro East MP Medard Lubega Ssegona, Musinguzi addressed concerns rose in the Auditor General’s 2023/2024 financial report regarding the issue.
He explained that many traders depend on unauthorized container agents who often operate without proper documentation or communication.
This results in traders struggling to identify their goods upon arrival in Mombasa.
Furthermore, some clearing agents reportedly abandon containers when caught attempting to evade taxes.
Mawokota South MP Yusuf Nsibambi questioned why URA has not sufficiently sensitized traders on the correct procedures for importing goods and selecting container agents.
He warned that if unresolved, Kenyan authorities might auction off the unclaimed containers.
In response, Musinguzi assured the committee that URA is actively working to prevent such auctions, acknowledging shortcomings within the agency and attributing many challenges to negligent clearing agents and container handlers.
By Francis Lubega
3rd Sept 2025
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