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A city businessman who admitted guilt to charges of tax evasion related to ethanol-based Koko fuel could face a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

Moses Gitara Chege, 31, a resident of Mawoito, Kakira sub-county in Jinja, was charged before the Nakasero-based Anti-Corruption Court Chief Magistrate Joan Aciro.

Chege pleaded guilty to charges of conveyance of uncustomed goods contrary to Section 199(b)(ii) of the East Africa Community Customs Management Act and being in possession of uncustomed goods contrary to Section 200(d) of the East Africa Community Customs Management Act, 2004.

Chege, however, denied the charge of falsifying customs documents, as per Section 203(h) of the East Africa Community Customs Management Act, 2004. The state will present evidence regarding this charge of falsification of customs documents during the trial.

The prosecution team, led by Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) legal team Samuel Oseku and Ronald Baluku, asked for a maximum sentence of five years for the offence of conveyance of uncustomed goods and fifty per cent of shillings 1,078,277 of the dutiable (about shillings 539,138,5).

According to the prosecution, the offences of uncustomed goods increased, and are on the increase, and the offences intended to evade taxes.

Prosecution Chege, on February 20, 2024, while he was in charge of vehicle number UAU 864G Toyota, used the vehicle to convey uncustomed goods, which included fifteen pieces of Koko stoves and five jerrycans of Koko fuel.

The brief facts of the case further indicate that Chege was found in possession of Koko stoves and five jerrycans of Koko fuel, estimated at shillings 1,078,277.

Chege, in his plea to the court, requested a lenient sentence, emphasising his consistent promptness in paying taxes.

Additionally, he highlighted his role as the sole breadwinner for his family, expressing concern that a custodial sentence would significantly impact them.