Information for NGOs and Humanitarian Organizations

If you are an NGO working or registering in Uganda, please read the following information to facilitate your transition here and answer your questions

***Please note: If you are a U.S. NGO or humanitarian organization, the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) will charge Import Duties and Value Added Tax (VAT) for some products shipped to Uganda, for humanitarian relief or otherwise.

All shipments to Uganda are subject to tax tariffs, but the amounts vary by product.  In the past, some international NGOs have successfully shipped goods here tax-free by registering with one of the ministries.  However, as of July 1, 2007, even goods registered with a ministry are subject to import duties which could be anywhere from 0 to 25 percent, and as high as 75 percent for rice products, of the total value of the goods.  The line ministries may continue to pay other tariffs, but this policy change will significantly increase the total cost of the shipment.

Before you ship any goods, please contact the URA to discuss restrictions at +256 414 334 408, +256 414 334 417, +256 414 317 012, or +256 414 317 015.  The URA website lists tax tariffs for most products (http://www.ugrevenue.com/).

***To register as an NGO in Uganda, please go to:

The Non-Governmental Organizations Board (NGO Board)
Ministry of Internal Affairs
Jinja Road, Kampala
Tel: +256-414-341-556

We recommend that you visit the NGO Board on Jinja Road in Kampala.  It is difficult to reach the board by phone because it only meets once a month and has no permanent staff members.  You can pick up the required materials at the office.  Depending on when you apply, it may take up to one month for the board to approve your application.

***The NGO Board will request a letter from the U.S. Embassy.  In order to facilitate this process, please deliver the following items to the Commercial Section at the U.S. Embassy:

-- A copy of your passport
-- A letter from the IRS stating that you are a tax exempt organization under section 501 (c) 3
-- A certificate of incorporation

***The U.S. Embassy cannot write a letter verifying a lack of a criminal record because we do not have access to these records in the U.S.  The only way that we can facilitate this request from the Ugandan Government is to have your statement, which attests to your criminal record, or lack there of, notarized at the U.S. Embassy.  Notarization of an affidavit costs US $30.  Please go to the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy to request an affidavit.  Consular Section hours for American Citizen Services, including affidavits, are from Monday through Thursday, 7:30 am - 2pm, and on Fridays from 7:30 am to 12pm.