Editor,

In reaction to media reports on the new banking services at Gatuna Boarder post, Rwanda Revenue Authority would like to clarify the following;

We all believe that making payments through the banks is safe and sound. We also believe that having services closer is fashionable and prudent to both service providers and service takers.

This takes us to the core strategic values RRA has in place which are Integrity, Customer focus, Transparency, Professional Service delivery and Teamwork.

Given the above; the RRA strives harder to deliver services effectively and efficiently in accordance with the needs of our clients. In collaboration with stakeholders services offered by RRA are decentralized to the satisfaction of whosoever needs them.

In this particular case of delays at Gatuna Border post specifically with the Bank of Kigali, we have got to understand that any new facility has to incur post implementation challenges among which are those mentioned by the media. Basically Bank of Kigali is one of the many banks that RRA partners with to provide quick services to clients.

The major reasons for the BK branch in Gatuna were to protect government funds (avoiding corruption and embezzlement) and also to bring manageable services near to consumers especially those that make their business transactions around the border.

Before, some of our clients would come and fail to access funds to make payments of customs duties and taxes.

And this would necessitate them to go to either Kigali or the nearest town with banking facilities.

This is not only costly but also risky as such clients would be susceptible to robbery on their return to honour payments and clear their cargo.

What is important is that both the RRA and BK management have been monitoring the situation very closely and acted swiftly to arrest the situation, sometimes reverting to the old system.

It is however our firm belief that carrying cash for payment of taxes and duties is highly costly and risky to both the trading community and government.

To date both institutions are working closely to get a lasting solution to ensure payments of taxes and duties are made directly to the bank and in the near future we hope to have a secure and quicker services that are modern and able to meet the required standards including serving travelers who may need banking services.

Finally, it is the RRA’s firm commitment to provide a better and equitable service to our clients.

Flavia Busingye
RRA media Officer