The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has made significant progress in its efforts to combat rice smuggling. In recent enforcement operations in Malaba, Jinja, and Mubende, URA teams intercepted 5 tons of basmati rice. These operations highlight the ongoing battle against smuggling along Uganda’s eastern trade routes.
In one major operation, the URA enforcement teams in Malaba and Jinja intercepted a flatbed trailer and a taxi carrying concealed rice. The trailer, which had registration numbers UAY922B/UAD191Q, was stopped near Nakalama, Iganga. It was suspiciously parked at the roadside, pretending to have mechanical issues near Tororo, as a cover to smuggle the rice hidden under bags of cement. Despite attempts by the truck’s handlers to mislead the URA inspectors, a thorough check revealed 3,660 kilograms of rice, including 2,850 kilograms of Sana Long Grain Parboiled Rice, 440 kilograms of Hilal Extra Long Grain Basmati Rice, 320 kilograms of Mahmoud Rice, and 50 kilograms of Basmati Parboiled Rice.
Rice smuggling is common on the Eastern trade route. The URA frequently intercepts smugglers trying to bring rice to market illegally to make high profits. In another operation that same week, the URA enforcement team in Jinja stopped a taxi with registration number UBH 735N. The taxi, attempting to avoid detection, dodged the Busitema checkpoint but was eventually caught at Bugembe near Jinja city thanks to intelligence reports. Inside, authorities found 1,340 kilograms of rice.
The rise in rice smuggling in the Eastern region is driven by factors such as the pursuit of high prices and higher income, coupled with the heavy taxes on rice imports from outside the East African Community (EAC). The current tax regime for rice imported into the EAC includes a 75% import duty, 18% VAT, a 6% withholding tax, and a 1.5% infrastructure levy. These taxes are designed to protect regional trade from being undermined by aggressive external importers.
In another part of the country, the URA conducted an intelligence-led operation in Mubende Municipality, named “Sweep Mubende Clean.” The Hoima Enforcement team targeted dealers in smuggled goods, swiftly seizing various contraband items, including cigarettes and cosmetics. The confiscated goods were taken to enforcement stores in Hoima. Among the seized items were 89 packets of Mijaj Tobacco, 173 Bombas of Supermatch cigarettes, 141 Bombas of Oris Double Apple Cigarettes, and 2 Bombas of Business Royal Super Slim Strawberry cigarettes. The team also recovered 674 pieces of contraband cosmetics, including Diana Lotion, Diprosone Lotion, Epiderme Cream and Lotion, Carolight Oil, Coco Pulp Oil, Coco Pulp Lotion, Paw Paw Lotion, Beaution Lotion, Carolight Lotion, and Princess Claire Cream.
According to Sections 200 and 203 of the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACMMA), any importer caught concealing goods can face up to five years in prison or a fine equal to half the value of the dutiable items. Consequently, the truck and taxi used in these smuggling attempts were seized for further investigation and management of the offenses.
