The URA Team One enforcement unit conducted a thorough sweep of all roads leading to the Central Business District (CBD), resulting in the confiscation of various goods in a recent operation dubbed “Rolling Thunder” . Among the impounded items were 34,385.714 square meters of textile material, 700 sets of bedsheets, 8,276 pieces of t-shirts, 1,115 pieces of phones, and 3,475 kilograms of Basmati rice. The total value of these seized goods amounted to UGX 34 million in unpaid taxes.
Armstrong Turyakira, the URA Customs Supervisor, highlighted that the operation was launched in response to the widespread smuggling of garments, textiles, and rice into the country. He emphasized that these particular items are frequently smuggled across borders, evading proper taxation procedures. The enforcement team relied on credible intelligence and employed both daytime and nighttime surveillance methods, occasionally setting up checkpoints to monitor the flow of goods.
During the operation, Team One was divided into two groups: Team A, responsible for monitoring the Eastern routes (including Kampala – Mukono – Jinja Rd. and Kampala – Kayunga – Jinja Rd.), and Team B, tasked with overseeing the southwestern routes (such as Mubende – Mityana Rd.). As a result of their efforts, four vehicles were intercepted and impounded for transporting illicit goods.
Turyakira clarified that all confiscated items were transported to Nakawa for thorough verification before any penalties were imposed on the owners. He emphasized that there exists a common misconception among traders that smuggling textiles and garments yields significant profits compared to legitimate trade routes. However, Turyakira warned that those caught smuggling would face steep fines, penalties, and legal consequences.
Furthermore, Turyakira revealed that URA conducts systematic analyses to identify discrepancies between declared goods and those flooding the market illegally. Such inconsistencies serve as clear indicators of smuggling activities, prompting heightened surveillance and enforcement measures.
Encouraging traders to utilize designated points of entry, Turyakira emphasized the importance of adhering to legal channels to avoid severe penalties. He underscored that Team One remains vigilant and prepared to apprehend any individuals attempting to smuggle contraband goods into the country.
