Stephen Mubiru Kyamufumbira, a 58-year-old resident of Bunamwaya in Wakiso District, admitted guilt in court on February 22, 2024, for charges related to possessing prohibited goods valued at Sh135 million. Appearing before Grade One Magistrate Esther Asiimwe at the Anti-Corruption Court in Nakasero, Kyamufumbira pleaded guilty to two counts under section 200(d)(i) of the East African Community Customs Management Act of 2004.
The prosecution, led by Hildah Atusimiire and Joan Agasha from Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), presented evidence that Kyamufumbira was in possession of three coaster motor vehicles with counterfeit registration numbers, intending to transport them to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The vehicles, valued at Sh67.6 million, were imported from Japan between 2021 and 2022.
Kyamufumbira’s lawyers, Michael Higenyi, Brian Tamale, and Christopher Bumpenjje, appealed for leniency, emphasizing their client’s cooperation and suggesting a fine as punishment. However, the prosecution urged the court to impose both a custodial sentence and a fine due to the severity of the offence.
The court deferred Kyamufumbira’s sentencing to February 23, 2024. As per the East African Community Customs Management Act, a conviction for such an offence could result in imprisonment for up to five years or a fine equivalent to fifty percent of the dutiable value involved, or both.
