The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has intercepted and seized smuggled goods valued at over UGX 200 million in taxes and penalties within Mbale district.
Customs officer Luke Kivumbi disclosed that these goods were confiscated during focused operations conducted over the past two weeks. Mbale district has increasingly become a hub for smuggling activities, with perpetrators exploiting porous borders to bring in untaxed goods from neighboring Kenya.
Among the items intercepted were various consumer goods concealed in different vehicles. For instance, a Toyota Noah with registration number UAU336J was apprehended early in the operation, found to be transporting smuggled items including bar soap, wheat flour, energy drinks, and second-hand clothing.
Additionally, a truck bearing registration number UBG968W was found to be carrying 2435 square meters of polyester jacquard curtain material and 500 kg of Ingrams herbal cream.
The most significant discovery of the operation came from a truck with registration number KDN185Y, which concealed curtain material and assorted commodities beneath a load of matooke. This foreign truck gained access to Uganda through the porous borders in Bukwo.
Upon thorough inspection, authorities uncovered a range of items including children’s clothing, gas cylinders, cosmetics, electronic appliances, agricultural equipment, and various other goods.
In addition to intercepting vehicles transporting contraband, the enforcement team also targeted consolidation centers, where they seized numerous cartons of bar soap, wheat flour, and Kitenge material. Furthermore, the operation extended to apprehending motorbike smugglers, resulting in the recovery of additional contraband.
According to Kivumbi, the estimated value of the impounded goods, including taxes and penalties, amounts to UGX 200 million.
The persistence of porous borders poses a significant challenge in combating illicit trade.
Ibrahim Bbossa, Assistant Commissioner for Public and Corporate Affairs at URA, emphasized that the tax authority has implemented various strategies to curb the influx of untaxed goods into the market. These strategies include utilizing non-intrusive inspection technology, leveraging informants, conducting raids on suspected premises, and intensifying enforcement efforts in high-risk areas.
