Outgoing Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) Commissioner General, Allen Kagina leaves a technologically astute URA; she also leaves a legacy in forging strong partnerships with private and public sector to increase efficiency of URA. Speaking during Ms. Kagina farewell event in Kampala, Uganda, TradeMark Africa (TMA) Director General David Stanton commended Kagina for visionary leadership and the great partnership forged between the two companies which led to reforms and adoption of key technologies by URA. Such include; upgrading the Customs Management System to ASYCUDA World which has directly resulted to reduction of cargo processing and clearance times to an average of 2 days; licencing 22 Authorised Economic Operators (AEOs). AEOs have a special status where their goods are cleared faster; and rolling out the Electronic Cargo Tracking thus eliminating physical escorts of transit cargo.While presenting Ms. Kagina with a plaque, Mr. Stanton said, “It has been fantastic working with you and supporting the substantial reforms you have achieved at URA. We would like to extend our sincere appreciation, wish you well in your next role and look forward to continued partnership”.

Ms. Kagina commended TradeMark Africa (TMA) for adopting a forward thinking development model saying, “TradeMark Africa (TMA) is an amazing responsive partner that breaks the mould of traditional aid modalities to get results; the way TradeMark Africa (TMA) works should be documented.”On the success of the trade facilitation systems and processes reforms implemented at URA, Ms. Kagina challenged all present to proactively find out and apply technological innovations that will catalyse behaviour change.

Ms. Kagina leaves URA at the end of October, 2014 after being at the helm of the institution for over 10 years. During her tenure, Kagina created an excellent foundation for a successful partnership between TradeMark Africa (TMA) and URA.

TradeMark Africa (TMA) is an aid-for-trade organisation that was established with the aim of growing prosperity in East Africa through increased trade. TradeMark Africa (TMA) operates on a not-for-profit basis and is funded by the development agencies of the following countries: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, UK, and USA. TradeMark Africa (TMA) works closely with East African Community (EAC) institutions, national governments, the private sector and civil society organisations.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of TradeMark Africa.