Taxman 6

CUSTOMS
Busted- smuggled cosmetics found inside the car
A new marine station in Kasensero on the shores
of Lake Victoria has been opened. The station was
furnished with a speed boat and other equipment
donated by the Japanese Technical Cooperation
Agency.
Audits have been strengthened, ultimately leading
to collection of more revenue.
Asked about transfers, Kateshumbwa attributed
the “three rounds” to requests from staff. According
to him, some people had not moved for years and
were not happy.
Transfers, he argued, over time create efficiency
as staff acquire knowledge about all areas of
operation. There will be more transfers in future,
according to him.
On staff development, a total of 406 staff have
participated in capacity building programs in data
analysis, prosecution and single customs territory
among others.
There were training of trainers’ engagements with
other institutions like Uganda Wildlife Authority
and military training with Kenya. The military
training targeted Customs officers.
However, emphasis has been on-job trainings often
referred to as OJTs, according to Kateshumbwa.
To ensure that taxpayers are informed about
developments, tax education is central to the
department’s activities. A total of 56 talk shows that
discussed several topics, were held in addition to
21 tax clinics for the period 2016.
About the systems, which enable taxpayers to
comply, he said, “They are doing a lot better.
There has been some improvement. We pray that
more can be done.”
There is a lot in the pipeline, Kateshumbwa tells
me when I ask him about the department’s future.
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