KAMPALA — The Uganda Free Zones and Export Promotions Authority (UFZEPA) has conducted a capacity-building workshop for newly licensed Free Zone Developers and Operators to enhance their understanding and use of the Uganda Electronic Single Window (UESW), a key platform for facilitating trade and customs processes.
The training, held in Kampala and facilitated by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), forms part of UFZEPA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen investor support services, improve regulatory compliance and ensure operational readiness within Uganda’s growing Free Zones sector.
The workshop brought together representatives of newly licensed Free Zones and UFZEPA technical staff, providing participants with practical skills on navigating the electronic trade facilitation platform. Areas covered included system registration, user access management, customs documentation, import and export procedures, cargo clearance, bond management and operational reporting requirements.
Speaking at the opening of the training, Rebecca Nalumu, Senior Manager for Special Economic Zones Operations and Compliance at UFZEPA, emphasised the importance of digital systems in enhancing the efficiency and competitiveness of Free Zone operations.
“For Free Zones, effective utilisation of the UESW is critical in supporting importation and exportation processes, customs documentation, bond management, cargo clearance, regulatory compliance and accurate reporting of trade transactions. To ensure efficiency and compliance, Free Zone operators must be equipped with practical knowledge and hands-on experience in the use of the system,” Nalumu said.
Participants also took part in practical demonstrations and interactive discussions aimed at addressing common challenges encountered while using electronic trade systems. The sessions provided an opportunity to clarify procedures, strengthen compliance awareness and improve the capacity of operators to manage trade transactions through government digital platforms.
During the training, Charles Rumanyika, Senior Customs and Risk Management Officer at the Uganda Revenue Authority, highlighted the broader economic benefits of promoting formal trade through digital systems such as the Uganda Electronic Single Window.
“Our goal through such initiatives is to bring more Ugandans into the formal economy. This is not only about attracting large investors; it is also about enabling small and medium-sized enterprises to formalise their businesses, create jobs and contribute to national revenue,” Rumanyika said.
He added that expanding participation in the formal economy would stimulate local production, broaden the tax base and strengthen Uganda’s economic resilience.
“When more people buy Ugandan products, we stimulate local production, expand the tax base and build a stronger and more resilient economy,” he noted.
The training is part of UFZEPA’s broader investor aftercare and capacity-building programme designed to support the successful establishment and operation of Free Zones across the country.
According to the Authority, the initiative seeks to equip investors and exporters with the technical knowledge required to comply with regulations, improve operational efficiency and enhance Uganda’s competitiveness in regional and international markets.
UFZEPA said it remains committed to creating a conducive environment for investment, industrialisation, and export promotion in line with its mandate to drive economic transformation and sustainable prosperity.
Established under the Uganda Free Zones and Export Promotions Act, Cap. 70, UFZEPA is responsible for the development, management, promotion and supervision of Free Zones, as well as coordinating export promotion activities aimed at increasing Uganda’s participation in global trade.
