URA intercepts fabric smugglers in Eastern Uganda

Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) enforcement officers have intercepted suspected fabric smugglers along the Busia–Kampala route.

The suspects were travelling in a Toyota Noah, registration number UBQ 794J, loaded with fabrics from a consolidation store in Busia. URA said its team acted on intelligence and laid an ambush along possible routes. The vehicle was spotted at Magamaga trading centre before officers launched a pursuit towards Jinja. The driver later abandoned the vehicle at Kubili and fled.

A search of the vehicle found 120 rolls of polyester poplin uniform material and five bales of kitengi fabric. URA said the operation followed another seizure in Iganga, where officers recovered 100 bundles of kitenge fabric, 10 pieces of 25-yard gomesi material and 140 rolls of Dira material.

The suspects were arrested and taken in for further offence management.

URA Commissioner General John Musinguzi Rujoki said the authority would continue to crack down on corruption and illegal activity at border points. “The authority has put in place several measures to combat corruption and illegal activity at border points. We would like to make the cost of smuggling and corruption very very high,” he said.

This follows a recent sting operation that led to the arrest of a senior URA official over the alleged solicitation of a $60,000 bribe earlier this week.