(Kampala) – A 43 year old driver, Abdul Ssekubwa, was formally charged on October 23, 2024, at the Anti-Corruption Court in Nakasero for the illegal possession and transportation of refurbished electronics valued at UGX 208 million. He is accused of having the items without paying customs duties and is facing multiple charges under the East African Community Customs Management Act.
Ssekubwa, a resident of Namawobe A in Busia town, appeared before senior principal grade one magistrate Albert Asiimwe. The prosecution, led by Stuart Aheebwa, revealed that on October 15, 2024, Ssekubwa was found in possession of 45 used laptops worth UGX 12 million, among other prohibited items, while driving along the Mbale-Soroti road.
Ssekubwa faces charges of possessing uncustomed goods and prohibited items, including phone screens, smartphones, tablets, chargers, and other electronic parts valued at UGX 195 million. The prosecution stated that these goods, transported in a Toyota Prado TX with registration number UAL 582F, violated customs laws.
The court heard that Ssekubwa was aware that the items were prohibited under the East African Community Customs Management Act. He denied all charges and was remanded to Luzira Prison until October 30, 2024, when his bail application will be reviewed.
Magistrate Asiimwe postponed the bail hearing due to an urgent matter, advising Ssekubwa’s lawyer, John Wandera, to ensure proper documentation and credible sureties for the next court session. Prosecutor Aheebwa also requested more time for investigations to be completed.
Ssekubwa remains in custody as the legal process continues, with his fate depending on the outcome of the upcoming bail hearing.
| Accused | Date of Arrest | Value of Seized Goods | Next Court Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abdul Ssekubwa | October 15, 2024 | UGX 208 million | October 30, 2024 |
The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and other security agencies intercepted Ssekubwa’s vehicle on October 16, 2024, at a checkpoint along the Tororo-Mbale road. The vehicle, loaded with smuggled electronics, was seized after a joint team from URA Malaba Enforcement and Busia Enforcement received credible information about the illegal consignment.
The driver, Ssekubwa, was arrested at a police post in Magodesi after being tricked into stopping. The seized goods, along with the vehicle, were handed over to the authorities for verification and further investigation.
| Details of Seized Goods | Quantity | Value (UGX) |
|---|---|---|
| Used Laptops | 45 | 12 million |
| Phone Screens | 4,072 | – |
| Used Smartphones | 151 | – |
| New Smartphones | 50 | – |
| New Tablet Screens | 24 | – |
| New Tablets | 6 | – |
| Laptop Spare Parts | 55 | – |
| Phone Chargers (Type-C) | 360 | – |
| Phone Charging Ports | 500 | – |
| Total Estimated Value of Goods | – | 208 million |
