The introduction of Digital Tax Stamps (DTS) by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) is being hailed as a significant step in combating the smuggling of construction materials, particularly cement, into and out of the country.
Simba Cement’s Marketing Manager, Mr. Heet Raval, highlights the impact of DTS in curbing counterfeit products in the market, noting that the prevalence of fake construction materials, especially cement, has drastically decreased since the implementation of the stamps.
Speaking to journalists in Kampala, Mr. Raval explained that the DTS system is not only helping to eliminate counterfeit goods but also ensuring that construction materials like cement are more affordable for the general public.
“The Digital Tax Stamps have considerably helped to curb counterfeit products on the market,” Mr. Raval states, emphasizing that DTS will act as a catalyst to stabilize and potentially lower cement prices.
According to reports from the URA, enforcement teams intercepted 3,286 bags of smuggled cement, equivalent to 164.3 metric tons, between October and December 2023. This enforcement action underscores the effectiveness of DTS in reducing the illegal trade of construction materials.
Simba Cement, a key player in Uganda’s construction industry, continues to set new standards by offering high-quality cement at competitive prices.
The company’s expansion, marked by the establishment of the region’s largest clinker manufacturing plant in West Pokot, Kenya, is expected to further strengthen its market position.
Mr. Raval reaffirms Simba Cement’s commitment to supporting President Yoweri Museveni’s vision of affordable housing, contributing to Uganda’s socio-economic growth by providing high-quality, affordable cement to builders, contractors, and homeowners across the country.