The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) remains vigilant in its efforts to combat smuggling activities, aiming to safeguard the integrity of trade within the nation. Despite advocating for engagement and education of traders and taxpayers, instances arise where enforcement actions become necessary.
Recent developments prompted the Fort Portal enforcement team to intensify efforts, particularly concerning the smuggling of cigarettes originating from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Acting on intelligence, the team uncovered a significant cache of Supermatch and Oris cigarettes, along with other goods, at consolidation premises in Bundibugyo.
The seizure included 274 Bombas of Supermatch cigarettes intended for export to South Sudan, as well as 261 Bombas of Oris slim double apple cigarettes, arranged in collaboration with a manufacturer in Germany. Additionally, 51 cartons of star blue soap from the DRC and 46 pieces of skin-bleaching creams were recovered.
Smuggling tactics have evolved over time, taking various forms such as outright smuggling, concealment, misclassification, and falsification. These methods involve deliberate evasion of customs regulations, including the creation of false compartments in vehicles and the use of fraudulent documentation to undervalue goods.
Furthermore, some traders engage in the diversion of transit goods, redirecting cargo intended for export back into Uganda without fulfilling tax obligations. Others participate in round-tripping schemes, where goods are cyclically transported to and from neighboring countries before being sold on the local market.
In Elegu, the enforcement team conducted a targeted night ambush based on intelligence, focusing on smugglers utilizing routes through River Onyama to reach trading centers such as Abalokodi and Pabbo town. Significant quantities of petrol, motorcycles, cooking oil, and biscuits were seized during these operations.
Despite efforts to combat smuggling, porous borders continue to pose challenges. Ibrahim Bbossa, Assistant Commissioner for Public and Corporate Affairs at URA, emphasized the implementation of various strategies, including non-intrusive inspection technology, informant networks, raids on suspected premises, and increased enforcement in high-risk areas, to mitigate the influx of uncustomed goods into the market.
Summary of Seizures in Bundibugyo:
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Supermatch Cigarettes | 274 Bombas |
| Oris Slim Double Apple Cigarettes | 261 Bombas |
| Star Blue Soap | 51 cartons x 25 pieces |
| Skin-Bleaching Creams | 46 pieces |
Summary of Seizures in Elegu:
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Petrol | 800 litres |
| Motorcycles | 3 |
| Dyanas Cooking Oil | 1120 litres |
| Miller Glucose Biscuit | 5 boxes weighing 30kgs |
