By Mulengera Reporters
The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has rolled out strict new guidelines targeting all licensed customs bonded warehouses across the country, in a move aimed at tightening security, boosting accountability and strengthening tax compliance.
In a story published in New Vision of 23rd February 2026, and shared on Social media, URA Commissioner General John Musinguzi directed all bonded warehouse operators to immediately comply with the new operational measures. The guidelines are designed to improve control over goods stored under customs supervision and prevent losses or irregularities.
Under the revised rules, warehouse operators must introduce controlled access systems that record the identity, purpose of visit and valid identification details of every person entering or leaving the premises. All staff and visitors are required to wear reflector jackets at all times while within the facilities.
Warehouse keepers have also been instructed to formalize identification procedures for loaders and casual workers. These workers must be issued with distinct uniforms, unique identification numbers and be registered with updated records, including photographs and national identification numbers.
URA emphasized that all goods stored in bonded warehouses remain under customs control and must be produced whenever authorized customs officers request them. Any loss, substitution or unaccounted-for goods will be treated as an offence under the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA), attracting penalties that include payment of duties and possible revocation of operating licenses.
Bonded warehouses are authorized facilities that allow importers to store goods before customs clearance, enabling them to defer duty payments and better manage cash flow. In Uganda, many of these facilities are located near major commercial hubs such as the Industrial Area and Jinja Road in Kampala, as well as Namanve Industrial Park in Mukono and parts of Wakiso District.
The new guidelines also require operators to maintain functional equipment and facilities to support customs operations, including proper recordkeeping systems, examination areas and secure storage spaces. The EACCMA mandates warehouse keepers to provide suitable office accommodation, weighing equipment and testing facilities at their own cost.
URA has warned that compliance will be closely monitored through regular inspections and performance assessments. These evaluations will influence the renewal of bonded warehouse licenses for 2027 and beyond. Failure to comply could lead to penalties, enforcement action and automatic cancellation of licenses.
The tax authority has made it clear that all licensed bonded warehouse operators must take immediate steps to align with the new requirements as part of broader efforts to safeguard revenue and ensure proper management of goods under customs control.
