Clearing agent charged with false declaration to URA

Norman Oroma, 46, a resident of Amuru district, appeared before the Anti-Corruption Court in Nakasero on a single count of making a false declaration, contrary to Section 203(a) of the East African Community Customs Management Act.

A clearing agent has been charged with making a false customs declaration to the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA). (Photo by Edward Luyimbazi)
By Edward Anyoli
Journalists @New Vision
#Anti-Corruption court #URA

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A clearing agent has been charged with making a false customs declaration to the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).

Norman Oroma, 46, a resident of Amuru district, appeared before the Anti-Corruption Court in Nakasero on a single count of making a false declaration, contrary to Section 203(a) of the East African Community Customs Management Act.

He denied the charge and was remanded to Luzira Prison until June 20, 2025, due to the absence of sureties.

Oroma was arraigned before Magistrate Grade One Esther Asiimwe over allegations related to false customs transit documentation.

“Since you do not have sureties to stand for you, I will remand you until June 20. Ensure that you secure sureties with proper documentation,” Asiimwe said.

The prosecution, led by Hildah Atusimiire and Stella Nayebare from URA, alleges that in August 2023, at the Vuura customs border point in Arua district, Oroma, acting as a clearing agent, declared customs transit entries numbered S967, S964, and S965, claiming that the goods were unprocessed timber in transit from the Democratic Republic of Congo to South Sudan.

On June 10, 2025, the prosecution informed the court that investigations into the matter are ongoing. Atusimiire and Nayebare requested additional time to conclude inquiries.

What the law says

A person found guilty of making a false declaration to URA is liable, upon conviction, to a fine not exceeding $5,000 (about sh17.8 million), or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years, or both.