By Mulengera Reporters
Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has announced a temporary penalty waiver allowing taxpayers with undeclared or falsely declared goods to regularize their tax status, provided they pay the full principal tax due. The initiative is aimed at encouraging voluntary compliance and improving customs revenue collection while reducing penalties for eligible taxpayers who act within the set deadline of 30 June 2026.
Under the scheme, taxpayers are required to declare and clear eligible consignments through Uganda Revenue Authority Customs, ensuring that all principal taxes are fully paid. Those who qualify must submit a signed Request to Settle Offence Form C35 as well as a Compounding Agreement, both of which confirm their acceptance of the conditions attached to the waiver.
URA also emphasized that the waiver applies strictly to undeclared or falsely declared goods and excludes outright smuggled goods. Authorities noted that the measure is conditional upon taxpayers maintaining full compliance in future tax periods, warning that repeat violations will attract full penalties.
According to the authority, the waiver window is open until 30 June 2026 and will only apply to consignments cleared within that period. The agency urged traders and importers to take advantage of the opportunity to rectify past declarations and avoid additional financial burdens once the deadline expires.
URA management said the initiative is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen tax compliance and support business formalization in Uganda. The authority encouraged taxpayers to use official communication channels for guidance, including its toll free lines 0800-117000 and 0800-217000, email services@ura.go.ug, WhatsApp 0772140000, and the official website www.ura.go.ug. Officials reiterated that the waiver is not automatic and will only be granted to those who meet all conditions, including full payment of assessed principal taxes and submission of required documentation. They further advised importers to avoid delays, as late clearance beyond the deadline will result in reinstatement of penalties and fines without exception. URA reaffirmed its commitment to the slogan Developing Uganda Together through transparent and fair tax administration. Taxpayers were reminded that proactive compliance remains the most effective way to avoid enforcement action and maintain smooth customs clearance processes nationwide across Uganda today.
