(Entebbe) – Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) enforcement officers recently foiled a large scale smuggling attempt at Entebbe International Airport, seizing smartphones and button phones worth an estimated UGX 200 million. The successful operation comes after an increasing number of smuggling attempts at the airport’s passenger terminal.
In total, the authorities seized 781 smartphones and 108 button phones, which included high value brands such as Samsung, iPhones, Tecno, Oppo, Huawei, and Google Pixel. The seized items are valued at around USD 55,000. These phones were concealed in various creative ways, ranging from hidden pockets in luggage to even being strapped directly onto smugglers’ bodies in an effort to avoid detection.
The operation, carried out with intelligence gathered from profiling passengers and using high-tech equipment such as CCTV cameras, scanners, and non intrusive inspection tools, resulted in the seizure of the following items:
Brand
Quantity
Category
Samsung Galaxy Phones
287
New and Used
iPhones (Refurbished)
95
Used
Redmi, Oppo, Sony Xperia, Sharp Aquos
258
Assorted Smartphones
Infinix Phones
112
Smartphones
Huawei Smartphones
15
Smartphones
Tecno Spark 20 Pro
5
New Smartphones
Google Pixel 7
10
Used Smartphones
Button Phones
108
Button Phones
The operation highlighted the growing trend of mobile phone smuggling at Entebbe Airport, with mobile phones often topping the list of smuggled items. The increase in such incidents can be attributed to the lack of awareness regarding import taxes and duties, as well as a growing greed among traders who attempt to evade taxes.
As per the East Africa Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA) 2004, all mobile phones imported into Uganda are subject to import duties, including a 10% import duty, an 18% Value Added Tax (VAT), a 6% Withholding Tax (WHT), and a 1.5% Infrastructural Levy. Smugglers often attempt to evade these taxes, resulting in illegal activities like the one uncovered in this recent operation.
URA’s improved enforcement techniques at Entebbe Airport include advanced profiling of passengers, collaboration with airport security for surveillance, and enhanced use of CCTV and other monitoring systems. This has helped authorities better detect suspicious activities in areas of the airport that are not always monitored by customs officials, such as the VIP section and departure areas.
For travelers, URA stressed the importance of understanding and complying with customs clearance procedures to avoid falling victim to customs offences. Those caught smuggling goods or failing to declare items may face heavy penalties. Specifically, smugglers found guilty of concealing phones could be fined up to 50% of the value of the goods, while failing to declare them may lead to additional legal consequences.
URA advised all travelers to stay informed and adhere to legal guidelines to avoid being implicated in customs violations, which could lead to legal actions or fines.
