URA Foils Textile Smuggling Operation in Busia

The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) intercepted a notorious smuggler in Busia, recovering over 150 rolls of textiles In a covert operation in the early hours of Monday morning. The operation was successful thanks to a tip-off received by the URA officers.

Moses Amwine, one of the officers involved, explained that they had received information about a habitual smuggler planning to transport textiles from neighboring Kenya. Acting on this information, the team assembled their equipment and waited for the smuggler’s vehicle to be loaded. At around 5:00 AM, they cornered the smuggler near the Sofia border crossing, just as he was about to depart with his illicit cargo.

Upon seeing the officers, the smuggler fled into nearby bushes, abandoning his Toyota Harrier with registration number UBQ 425. The vehicle was then escorted to the Busia station for further inspection, revealing 158 rolls of plain polyester textile materials and 51 pieces of poly-cotton plain dyed poplin textile material. Additionally, various number plates believed to have been used by the smuggler to evade surveillance were recovered.

This interception comes amidst complaints from traders regarding the government’s policy to tax selected textiles based on weight. Under this policy, textiles are taxed at 3.5 USD per kilogram or 35% of the cost, insurance, and freight (CIF), whichever is higher. URA Commissioner General John Musinguzi defended this policy, stating that it aims to support Uganda’s growing textile industry by encouraging local production and value addition.

However, Musinguzi acknowledged the surge in textile smuggling since the implementation of the policy. He mentioned that URA is working with stakeholders to address the challenges associated with smuggling.

Under sections 199(iii) and 200 of the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA), the owner of the impounded Toyota Harrier faces a fine not exceeding USD 5,000.

© The Ankole Times. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication or its digital content may be reproduced, distributed, published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed in whole or in part without prior written permission from The Ankole Times.