NEBBI, November 25, 2024 – Local cross-border traders from Uganda who sell merchandise to the Democratic Republic of Congo [DRC] are accusing customs officers at Goli Customs of extortion and are calling for intervention by the Uganda Revenue Authority [URA].
Santina Oyenyboth, a trader from Juapngira Subcounty in Nebbi district, claims they are forced to pay Shs 10,000 at the customs gate when crossing to the DRC. This payment is allegedly required for traders transporting agricultural produce such as maize, beans, cassava, and Irish potatoes to Nyalip market in the DRC.
“If you are taking your goods to Nyalip market on the Congo side, you need extra money to pay at the customs checkpoint, but no official receipts from URA are issued,” Oyenyboth said.
Alfred Oyikuma, another local trader, expressed frustration over the ongoing extortion at Goli Customs. He said this issue has persisted without any intervention from URA officials.
“The extortion at Goli customs has frustrated many traders, forcing some to stop trading altogether. Local traders believe that goods produced locally should not be taxed at the border,” Oyikuma added.
When contacted for a comment, Robert Kerpou, the Customs Officer in charge of Goli at URA, assured that the Authority would investigate the alleged extortion by officers at the checkpoint.
“All URA-related transactions are conducted through banks as we are not allowed to handle physical cash. Any officer found guilty of extorting traders at the checkpoint will face penalties for their actions,” Kerpou said.
Meanwhile, Delphin Bashique, a Customs Officer from DRC’s Eastern Ituru Province Mahagi Territory, and Ugandan Deputy Inspector General of Government Anne Twinomugisha have urged customs officials from both countries to collaborate in combating corruption at the border.
“Uganda and Congo need to work together to establish strategies for fighting corruption at the customs borders. Reports of corruption from local people are not being taken seriously, and this issue needs to be addressed by both sides,” Bashique said.
https://thecooperator.news/unra-starts-maintenance-on-nebbi-goli-road-after-public-outcry/
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