CINAT Group Ltd, through its subsidiary CINAT Technologies and in partnership with the Uganda Groupage Importers and Exporters Association (UGIEA) and Pinnisoft Company Ltd, convened a stakeholder engagement meeting with key union leaders of traders' associations on 14th July 2026 at Hotel Triangle to introduce the BeezyLCL platform — an innovative digital solution designed to transform Uganda's consolidated cargo import and clearance process.
The engagement brought together leaders of different traders' associations, including UGIEA and KACITA Uganda, to discuss challenges within the current consolidated cargo clearance system and gather practical insights that will inform the continued development of the platform.
Opening the session, Mr. Nsamba John, project coordinator from CINAT Group, explained that BeezyLCL is not an entirely new import process but rather a smarter digital enhancement of the existing consolidated cargo import model. He noted that the system begins at the source of the goods, enabling traders to capture cargo information from suppliers before shipment, thereby improving transparency, accuracy, and efficiency throughout the import journey.
Participants were encouraged to openly share the challenges they encounter with the current cargo clearance systems and propose solutions that BeezyLCL could integrate to better serve the trading community.
Representing Pinnisoft, lead developer Kairm demonstrated the system's key functionalities and outlined the challenges it seeks to address. He explained that BeezyLCL is designed to complement existing Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) systems rather than replace them. By placing greater control in the hands of traders, who are the actual cargo owners, the platform aims to simplify import processes, enhance cargo visibility, and improve customs clearance efficiency.
He further emphasized that stakeholder feedback would play a critical role in shaping the system, ensuring that it responds directly to traders' operational needs. The platform is also expected to help traders determine and remit assessed taxes before cargo arrives in Uganda, reducing uncertainty and minimizing clearance delays.
The traders welcomed the initiative, applauding CINAT Group for prioritizing their interests and investing in a technology-driven solution tailored to the realities of Uganda's import sector.
Mr. Ronald Mayanja, Chairman of UGIEA, highlighted persistent challenges with the Uganda Revenue Authority's (URA) valuation process. He observed that inconsistent valuations often result in traders paying significantly different tax amounts for similar goods over time. He urged the developers to ensure the BeezyLCL system incorporates mechanisms that promote fair and consistent tax assessments.
Mr. Mayanja reiterated that traders are committed to fulfilling their tax obligations, but noted that inconsistencies within the current system have pushed some traders to seek alternative ways of reducing tax burdens. He also pointed to frequent cases of misdeclaration, explaining that traders are often unable to verify the exact contents loaded into consolidated containers until physical verification at bonded warehouses, leading to avoidable penalties and disputes.
Mr. Kizito from Eurasia Business shared his experience with prolonged cargo clearance delays, attributing many of the setbacks to the heavy dependence on manual decision-making within existing systems. He explained that delays in accessing customs officers often result in mounting warehouse storage charges, citing his own shipment imported in February 2026 that had yet to be released by the time of the engagement due to system-related bottlenecks.
Representing KACITA, Mr. William Katushabe raised concerns about the classification and description of imported goods, particularly textiles. He noted that traders frequently face challenges explaining the material composition of products during customs verification, resulting in cargo seizures and financial penalties when customs officers disagree with declarations. He also called for standardized units of measurement and valuation criteria that are not subject to individual officers' interpretation.
Mr. Serubula Abdul, a trader from downtown Kampala, proposed that BeezyLCL should allow traders to capture and store complete cargo details immediately after purchase, well before containers arrive at the Port of Mombasa. He explained that waiting until cargo is in transit often forces traders to reconstruct shipment information from memory, increasing the likelihood of errors and inaccurate declarations. He also sought clarification on the future role of clearing agents within the new digital ecosystem, noting that many traders continue to rely on them for guidance throughout the import and customs clearance process.
The engagement concluded with a shared commitment to continued collaboration between developers and the trading community. Stakeholders agreed that the success of BeezyLCL will depend on its ability to address real industry challenges while enhancing transparency, efficiency, and predictability across Uganda's cargo import process.
Through initiatives such as BeezyLCL, CINAT Group continues to demonstrate its commitment to developing innovative, stakeholder-driven solutions that simplify trade, strengthen compliance, and support the growth of Uganda's business community.