The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) Customs enforcement team intercepted a Fuso truck in Jinja carrying more than two tons of rice concealed beneath sugarcanes. The operation was conducted last Wednesday night at a checkpoint established due to increased smuggling activities in Eastern Uganda during the festive season.
Philip Ofubo, a customs officer, detailed that the checkpoint was strategically set up to combat rising smuggling incidents. At the Jinja checkpoint, the team impounded a Fuso with the registration number UBA 419G, initially thought to be transporting sugarcanes. However, upon thorough inspection, it was revealed that the sugarcanes served as a deceptive cover for the concealed goods.
The URA enforcement team apprehended the smuggler, identified as Mutebi Fred, who admitted to purchasing the merchandise from Kenya and transporting them via boda bodas to Kakira sugar plantation. Fred had hired the Fuso truck to transport the goods to Lugazi for sale, unaware of the URA checkpoint along the route.
Upon impounding the truck, the URA team directed the driver to their base for further examination. The inspection revealed 2,025 kilograms of Baraf and Sana rice, four bales of Kitenge fabric, seven and a half cartons of motor vehicle tire bonding gum, and 80 kilograms of used shoes.
The URA Jinja enforcement team emphasized their dedication to achieving 100% deterrence of illicit trade in the region.
