URA ASYCUDA fails

GOVERNMENT

By Omondi Julius Odera, Kampala, Uganda

The Uganda Revenue Authority’s system for clearing goods failed last week, creating congestion at the border of Malaba and Busia. The tax body uses ASYCUDA (Automated System for Customs Data) software.

Sarah Banage, Assistant commissioner for Public and Corporate affairs at URA notes: “There was a slight upgrade and the communication between the old and the new didn’t read hence causing the technical hitch.”

However, she explains that there were no anomalies as the tax body is always prepared for any eventuality. “As soon as the electronic (ASYCUDA) system failed we immediately resorted to plan B which is manually done to ensure clearing of the perishables, fuel and all other essentials.”

Banage explains that the system occasionally gets technical hitches for an hour or two. “This time round it was a bit strange since it took around two days to normalise it. We are still studying it as it normalizes,” she adds.

Banage also revealed that soon the tax body will adopt a better version -  ASYCUDA++. She notes: “We are in the process of testing and fine tuning it and hopefully we can adopt it in November.”

Banage says the new version is faster and flexible than the current version.