(Kampala) – The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among, has called for the swift passage of the Anti-Counterfeit Goods and Services (ACG&S) Bill 2023. She made this statement during the parliamentary expo/exhibition, where the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) is actively participating. As the Chief Guest at the Expo, Rt. Hon. Among stressed the importance of implementing stricter laws, conducting audits through the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), and promoting genuine value addition in products.
The comprehensive ACG&S Bill, tabled by Hon. Asuman Basalirwa, seeks to strengthen Uganda’s anti-counterfeiting framework in response to the increasing prevalence of counterfeit products in the market. The presence of these fake products costs the country an estimated $2.3 billion each year, highlighting the urgent need for effective legislative measures.
During the expo, URA showcased its initiatives aimed at tax education and customs enforcement, emphasizing the utilization of advanced technologies. These include the Digital Tracking System (DTS) and the Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing System (EFRIS), both designed to help combat counterfeiting effectively.
Additionally, the Anti-Counterfeit Network has been collaborating with various stakeholders, such as media outlets, legal teams, brand manufacturers, and consumer organizations. This collaboration aims to raise awareness and protect consumers from the dangers of counterfeit products.
Hafsah Seguya, the Acting Supervisor of Tax Education Outreach, also addressed the attendees, providing information about an ongoing tax waiver initiative and encouraging participants to take advantage of it.
