URA seizes smuggled rice, wheat flour as part of crackdown on illicit trade in Uganda

UGANDA – The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has successfully intercepted over 16,000 kilograms of smuggled rice and wheat flour, as part of an intensified crackdown on illicit trade in the Eastern region.

The seizures, which occurred in Namayingo, Namayemba, Busitema, and Mbale, highlight the growing challenge of smuggling in Uganda’s border areas, particularly along porous borders and entry ports, disrupting local markets and undermining the agricultural sector.

Commenting on the successes, URA Commissioner General John Musinguzi affirmed that the Authority is fully committed to tackling smuggling and protecting Uganda’s economy from the harmful effects of illicit trade.

He further encouraged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to URA, ensuring a collective effort in safeguarding Uganda’s trade integrity.

A major breakthrough was achieved in Busitema, where URA’s enforcement team, acting on intelligence tip-offs, intercepted a Ugandan-registered truck, UBL 482L/UBL 088Q.

Initially believed to be carrying clinker for transit to Rwanda, the truck was found to be transporting 4,840kgs of smuggled Pakistani rice. The rice, branded Hilal, Mahmood, Sana, and Baraf, had been cleverly concealed inside the clinker.

In Namayingo, two significant interceptions were made. On November 10th, 750kgs of Indus rice were seized from a double cabin truck (UBB627J) in Busia district. Just days later, another truck—KCY237Q/ZE2410, was intercepted on the Busia-Jinja road with a manufacturer’s seal, raising suspicion of smuggling.

Upon inspection, the team discovered 2,400kgs of assorted Pakistani rice, along with 13 bales of textile material, seven bales of garments, and five bales of used undergarments.

Further south in Namayemba, the Malaba enforcement team uncovered 2,385kgs of assorted Basmati rice hidden in two consolidation centers.

These seizures are part of URA’s strategy to combat rising smuggling in the region, which is fueled by the presence of multiple entry points, such as Busia, Malaba, Lwakhakha, and Suam River, many of which remain under-staffed and vulnerable to illicit trade.

The crackdown also extended to wheat flour smuggling in Mbale, where URA intercepted a syndicate operating in the Sebei sub-region.

An Isuzu Elf truck (UBG 568G) was found loaded with 6,000kgs of wheat flour, Golden and Mother’s Choice brands, originating from Kenya.

The interception of these goods follows strict enforcement protocols under Section 199 of the East African Community Customs Act of 2004, as amended.

The law imposes a US$5,000 fine on any vehicle used in smuggling and grants URA the authority to seize motor vehicles involved in illicit trade.

The general public is encouraged to report to URA all suspicious trade practices in their areas in order to collectively level the trading ground in Uganda.

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