Import Duty Entebbe

Sorry I can't help you with your question, but I got curious (and perhaps you don't want to answer), but what work do you do in Uganda?

Alice - the issue you face is not uncommon. Take along your manager or local representative when you go to collect the goods - some one who speaks the local language and can verify that the goods are yours and are only for personal use and have not been imported on behalf of any third party. Any gifts over a certain value (probably over $25 or $ 50 US) will need to be identified as these will attract import duty.

You are probably going to need proof of purchase (receipts etc), approximate dates of purchase; sign a statement that the goods are not intended for resale and probably have to sign further documents that you will take the items with you when you leave. Items with high resale value - household electrical goods, computers, cameras will probably have to been identified via serial numbers, model descriptions. I am surprised that the people you are working for did not brief you on these issues.
Hope this helps and that you have a great time in Uganda - just stay away from the NW border country.

Thanks for your help. I sent my passport with the courier company to show that I'd just moved here and was a resident and it was delivered soon after without any payment required. I had no idea about the tax so aside from the huge courier fees from the UK, won't be asking anyone to send me presents! Next time I'll just pay for an extra bag on my flight as accompanied aeroplane baggage doesn't attract import duty.

I'm a teacher btw.

thanks

Hi Alice - glad it worked out OK in the finish. Your comment about paying the extra to take the baggage with you is valid. From my experiences with a major international freight forwarding company was that the "local handling charges" were even more than the cost of the air-freight. Hope you have a great time as a teacher in Uganda, both you and your students should benefit from the experience. O_M