FIA, URA develop system to strengthen cross-border controls

The Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA)and the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) have designed a digital system to enhance the cross-border declaration of cash and Bearer Negotiable Instruments (BNI)at designated border points, by travelers.

The declaration is a requirement under Section 12 of the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA), Cap 118. The development is expected to address operational challenges such as inconsistencies in the use of manual declaration forms, delayed transmission of completed forms from URA to FIA, inadequate availability of manual forms C and D, as well as enforcement limitations.

Accordingly, the FIA has developed a new self-declaration digital system designed to streamline the declaration process, enhance data quality, improve analytical capability, and strengthen enforcement across border stations.

To achieve this objective, the FIA has embarked on training the customs and enforcement officers from various border points to reinforce compliance with Section 12 of the AMLA, particularly, the requirement for all travelers to complete Form C or Form D when transporting cash or BNIs. The targeted training is also meant to introduce the URA officers to the features, functionality, and operational procedures of the newly developed cross-border declaration form.

Through the training, the capacity of the frontline Customs officers to effectively apply and champion the use of the system at their respective border points will be enhanced. Besides, the training provides clarity on the statutory powers of Customs officers regarding enforcement, including seizure or confiscation of currency and BNIs in accordance with the AMLA.

The training is expected to bridge the knowledge gaps by strengthening understanding among the public and Customs officers concerning declaration procedures, requirements, and enforcement responsibilities; deployment by the URA of Customs focal persons to coordinate cross-border declaration initiatives and support designated champions at all active border points.

Following the training, it is anticipated that there will be improved appreciation of the legal powers provided to the customs officers under the AMLA, Cap 118, particularly in relation to seizure and confiscation of cash or BNIs suspected to be linked to Money Laundering or Terrorism Financing.

The  Executive Director of FIA has urged participants to strengthen enforcement efforts at their respective border points, observing that effective scrutiny of cross-border movement of currency and BNIs is critical for improving voluntary compliance and disrupting potential illicit financial flows.