A truck driver has been charged with being in possession of uncustomed goods estimated at sh105m.

Amza Ssentongo, a resident of Tula zone Kawempe division in Kampala district, was charged with two offences at the Anti-Corruption Court in Kololo, Kampala before magistrate Esther Asiimwe.

Ssentongo,50, was on August 25, 2023, charged with possession of uncustomed goods and conveyance of uncustomed goods under sections 200(d) (iii) of the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA).

Prosecution led by Jordan Lanoka alleges that Ssentongo on August 22, 2023, in Pakwach at the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) checkpoint was found in possession of 223 bags of Eurosome power milk made in France. The goods were valued at valued at sh102m.

Prosecution also, alleges that the Ssentongo at Packwach URA checkpoint used vehicle registration number UAN 910J, to convey 223 bags of Eurosome power milk. 

He denied the charges and he was remanded to Luzira prison because he did not have sureties to stand for him.

What the law says

Under section 200(d) (iii) of EACCMA any person found guilty of the offence shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment not exceeding five years or to fifty percent of the dutiable value involved or both.

A person convicted under section 199(iii) of the Act shall pay a fine of $5000 (about sh18m) and will be liable to forfeiture of the goods and vehicle.