Fuelex boss to be charged with tax evasion

The proprietor of Fuelex Filling station John Imaniraguha, who was arrested on Sunday over purported fuel smuggling at Entebbe International Airport, is to be charged with offences relating to tax evasion.

The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) assistant commissioner for public and corporate affairs Sarah Banage, told a press conference that the businessman, who has been elusive since 2008, will be produced at the Anti-Corruption Court this week.

She did not specify the exact day but said it would be immediately after the URA legal team has drafted the requisite documents to commence prosecution.

Imaniraguha who also owns Planet Fuel Station, is to battle the charge of possession of un-customed goods, outlawed under section 200 of the East African Community Customs Management Act, 2004.

The businessman attempted to catch a flight to the Kenyan capital, Nairobi. He was arrested by detectives from the URA enforcement  department at about midday.

Imaniraguha chats with a relative after his arrest. Photo by Ramadhan Abbey