(Kween) – The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) enforcement team recently faced a challenging situation in Kween District while attempting to retrieve a truck loaded with 8,400 kilograms of smuggled wheat. This operation took place over the weekend, with the team working diligently to maintain professionalism in a hostile environment.
The enforcement operation was based on intelligence indicating ongoing smuggling activities in the Sebei sub-region, particularly targeting the Kapchorwa, Kween, and Bukwo districts. On October 12, 2024, the URA team located a Fuso truck with the registration number UBH 819H in Kaproron village, which was carrying the smuggled wheat flour.
The seized wheat consisted of various types, including 4,440 kilograms of Pembe wheat flour, 2,280 kilograms of another Pembe wheat flour, and 1,680 kilograms of Golden wheat flour, amounting to a total of 350 cartons.
As URA officers attempted to impound the truck and retrieve the cargo, they encountered aggressive resistance from local community members who sought to prevent the operation. This hostility necessitated the involvement of local police to help calm the situation. With the police’s assistance, the URA officers successfully impounded the Fuso truck and transported it to the Mbale office for further processing related to the offense.
Following this incident, URA Commissioner General John Musinguzi expressed the authority’s firm stance against smuggling. He emphasized that individuals engaged in such activities would face significant fines as a deterrent. Musinguzi instructed customs officers to impose the maximum fine of USD 10,000, arguing that smugglers hinder national development and must be penalized accordingly.
The East African Community Customs Act of 2004, amended to include stricter measures against smuggling, stipulates a fine of USD 5,000 for any means of conveyance involved in smuggling activities. Additionally, the law permits URA to forfeit vehicles used in such operations.
As the URA continues its efforts to combat smuggling in the region, this incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by enforcement officers. The confrontation with the community illustrates the complexities of maintaining law and order while fostering cooperation between authorities and local residents.
| Seizure Details | Figures |
|---|---|
| Total weight of smuggled wheat | 8,400 kilograms |
| Types of wheat flour | – 4,440 kg Pembe flour |
| – 2,280 kg Pembe flour | |
| – 1,680 kg Golden flour | |
| Total number of cartons | 350 |
| Maximum fine for smuggling | USD 10,000 |
| Fine under East African Customs Act | USD 5,000 |
