Driver pleads guilty to illegal possession of contraband cigarettes

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A driver has been fined sh10.8 million for illegally transporting prohibited cigarettes.

Andrew Oringa, 46, a resident of Gulu city, pleaded guilty to two counts: possession of prohibited goods and conveyance of prohibited goods. The offence involved a consignment that included Supermatch cigarettes.

Appearing before the Anti-Corruption Court in Nakasero on June 10, 2025, Oringa, represented by lawyer Richard Okosemo, admitted to being in possession of 1,875 Bomba cigarettes, which he attempted to transport without the required authorisation. The case was presided over by Principal Grade One Magistrate Paul Mujuni.

The charge of conveyance of prohibited goods relates to the movement or transportation of items that are legally banned or restricted, typically across borders or within the country, without the necessary permits or approvals.

According to a summary of the case presented by prosecutors Stella Nayebare and Thomas Davis Lomuria, Oringa and others still at large were, on May 19, 2025, found in possession of prohibited Supermatch cigarettes valued at sh11.7 million. The items were discovered in Min-Ja village, Omoro district.

The prosecution stated that Oringa was transporting the cigarettes in a Toyota Noah motor vehicle, registration number UBR 329M, without any authorisation.

When asked by Magistrate Mujuni whether it was true that he possessed the goods without authorisation, Oringa responded, “Yes, Your Worship, the brief facts are correct.”

He subsequently paid the fine.