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UPDF soldier charged, remanded over sh15.8m cigarette consignment
The accused denied both charges. According to the charge sheet, Edemachu and others still at large, allegedly committed the offences on April 4, 2026, in Pakwach district.
Henry Nguma Edemachu appearing before the anti-corruption court in Kampala. (Photo by Sophia Kagoya)
By: Sophia Kagoya, Journalist @New Vision
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A 53-year-old Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldier, Henry Nguma Edemachu, has been charged with unlawful possession of prohibited goods valued at sh15.8m.
Edemachu, a resident of Minyako in Arua district, appeared before the Anti-Corruption Court where Principal Magistrate Christopher Opit read out two charges of being in possession of prohibited goods, contrary to Section 200(d)(i) of the East African Community Customs Management Act, 2004.
The accused denied both charges. According to the charge sheet, Edemachu and others still at large, allegedly committed the offences on April 4, 2026, in Pakwach district.
Prosecution led by state attorney Frances Asekenye, alleges that Edemachu was found in possession of 45 cartons of Supermatch filter king-size cigarettes, manufactured in Uganda for export, with a dutiable value of sh13.47m.
The cigarettes were packed in 50 bomas per carton, with each boma containing 10 packets of 20 sticks.
In the second count, the accused is alleged to have been found in possession of 28 cartons of Oris Slim cigarettes originating from Germany, valued at sh2.4m.
The two consignments have a combined dutiable value of sh15.8m.
The cigarettes were packed in 50 bomas per carton, with each boma containing 10 packets of 20 sticks.
In the second count, the accused is alleged to have been found in possession of 28 cartons of Oris Slim cigarettes originating from Germany, valued at sh2.4m.
The two consignments have a combined dutiable value of sh15.8m.
Prosecution alleges that Edemachu knew or had reasonable grounds to believe that the cigarettes were prohibited goods.
Following his plea of not guilty, Magistrate Opit remanded Edemachu until November 23, 2026, when he is expected to return to court for a bail application or mention of the case.
Under Section 200 of the East African Community Customs Management Act, 2004, a person convicted of possessing prohibited goods is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years, a fine equivalent to 50 percent of the dutiable value of the goods involved, or both.
Based on the combined value of the cigarettes in the two counts, the equivalent of 50 percent amounts to approximately sh7.9m.
However, the actual sentence or fine, if convicted, will be determined by court.
Following his plea of not guilty, Magistrate Opit remanded Edemachu until November 23, 2026, when he is expected to return to court for a bail application or mention of the case.
Under Section 200 of the East African Community Customs Management Act, 2004, a person convicted of possessing prohibited goods is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years, a fine equivalent to 50 percent of the dutiable value of the goods involved, or both.
Based on the combined value of the cigarettes in the two counts, the equivalent of 50 percent amounts to approximately sh7.9m.
However, the actual sentence or fine, if convicted, will be determined by court.