In a significant breakthrough for Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) enforcement alert team a notorious Nile Perch smuggler has been apprehended with a staggering haul of over 3,800 unaccustomed mobile phones valued at UGX 1.9 billion in tax.
The operation led by Team One of URA took place in a warehouse in Old Kampala following a tip-off from a newly recruited confidential informant.
According to the URA enforcement alert team in a statement on December 12,2024, this seizure highlights the ongoing challenges of enforcing border security and the complexities of international trade routes that facilitate smuggling.
The team says that illicit trade in mobile phones has surged in Uganda where an estimated 30 million subscribers rely on the devices for communication, business, and education.
“As smartphones become essential tools in daily life, smugglers exploit the demand for affordable devices by importing phones through unofficial channels, bypassing customs duties and taxes that legitimate businesses must pay,” URA officials noted in a .
These phones are often sourced from countries such as China and Dubai, making their way into Uganda without proper documentation, according to the authorities.
The Authority stated that the smuggler at the center of the operation is believed to be part of a well-organized network, which includes corrupt officials and middlemen who distribute phones across Kampala.
However despite the elusive nature of the figure, URA officials said they are determined to unravel the network and bring all involved parties to justice.
“As phone smuggling continues to pose a significant threat to Uganda’s economy, URA has ramped up its enforcement efforts,” the officials noted.
The authority has implemented advanced techniques such as passenger profiling and intelligence networks to combat the growing vice.
URA spokespersons also urged travelers to familiarize themselves with customs regulations and avoid illegal activities that could lead to severe penalties.
This recent success underscores URA’s commitment to combating smuggling and safeguarding the local economy from the harmful effects of illicit trade.
As they continue their crackdown on smugglers, officials remain vigilant in their efforts to ensure that Uganda’s borders are secure and that all goods entering the country comply with legal standards.
