The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) enforcement alert unit has issued a plea to Ugandans near border towns to resist the temptation of smuggling after it confiscated contraband and assorted smuggled goods in Bulambuli district.
On November 2, 2023, the Mbale URA customs enforcement team, acting on constant reports, in a led operation by teams from Busitema, Lwakhakha, and Malaba, intercepted smuggled goods in the areas of Muyembe, Bunambutye, and Bulambuli districts.
“The main areas of interest were Muyembe and Bunambutye towns. Kenyan products end up finding their way into shops and stalls without going through proper customs clearance channels,” the URA enforcement unit noted.
According to the URA enforcement team, reports came in about the contraband goods from the various consolidation spots of a suspected cement smuggler from Kapchorwa.
“The team lay in abush strategically, and the truck drove itself into our gentle embrace,” noted the team.
The operation yielded numerous assorted smuggled goods, ranging from 53 boxes of Kibuyu soap to 82 cartons of Golden Wheat Flour from Kenya to 22 boxes of unstamped Karaso drink made in Uganda.
The team was also able to intercept boxes of spaghetti from Egypt, Post-Man jeryycans of cooking oil, unstamped Kakasa-flavoured Gin, Leo Drink, and Simba cement bags loaded on a fuso with registration number 545F.
“We beseech all Ugandans, especially in border towns, to resist the allure of smuggling. It glitters, though in essence, it is quicksand,” URA stated.
Smuggled goods, according to the URA, drive legitimate business owners who pay taxes out of business since their prices are lower than others.
