URA Nets $10.2 Million Hidden in Cargo as Crackdown on False Declarations Intensifies

The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has intercepted USD 10.2 million concealed in a container, marking a significant win in its ongoing crackdown on tax evasion and cargo misdeclaration.

Officials attribute the recovery to a shift toward mandatory physical verification of goods, a policy championed by Commissioner General John Musinguzi Rujoki to address widespread abuse of invoice-based clearance systems.

For years, URA relied largely on documentation to process imports. However, the approach was increasingly exploited by some traders who underdeclared goods to reduce tax liabilities—listing, for example, a fraction of the actual cargo.

The latest interception underscores the impact of tighter enforcement measures.

According to URA, the money was discovered by a 30-year-old customs officer during a routine inspection of a container declared as carrying personal effects of a Ugandan returning from Turkey.

Upon opening the consignment, the officer initially found household items before uncovering boxes containing large sums of cash.

“I opened one box and it had kitchenware, but when I checked the next, I found paper money,” she said.

Authorities say the clearing agent attempted to dissuade the officer from reporting the discovery, allegedly suggesting she personally benefit from the find. She declined and reported the matter through official channels.

The officer has since been commended by URA leadership for her integrity and professionalism.

Speaking at an internal recognition ceremony, Commissioner General Musinguzi described her actions as exemplary, noting that they reflect the standards the institution seeks to uphold.

“Your resolve to act with integrity despite pressure demonstrates the values we stand for as an institution,” he said.

He added that such conduct strengthens public confidence in URA’s mandate to mobilise revenue transparently and efficiently.

URA Assistant Commissioner for Public and Corporate Affairs, Robert Kalumba, confirmed that a suspect connected to the concealment is in custody as investigations continue.

“We handed the suspect over to security agencies, and inquiries are ongoing,” Kalumba said.

He further described the officer’s actions as consistent with URA’s core values of integrity, patriotism, and professionalism.

The incident highlights the growing effectiveness of enforcement reforms within URA, particularly the emphasis on physical inspection as a tool to detect concealed goods and curb revenue loss.