URA impounds cigarettes worth sh150m
The goods, which were supposed to be exported to the Central African Republic, made a U-turn via Sudan, returning to Uganda to be sold.
Robert Kalumba, Assistant Commissioner for Public and Corporate Affairs and spokesperson for the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), displays samples of the smuggled cigarettes impounded by URA. (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)
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Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has intercepted two trucks carrying about 300 cartons of Supermatch cigarettes via the West Nile route.
According to Robert Kalumba, the Uganda Revenue Authority assistant commissioner for public and corporate affairs, the goods, which were supposed to be exported to the Central African Republic, made a U-turn via Sudan, returning to Uganda to be sold.
Robert Kalumba, Assistant Commissioner for Public and Corporate Affairs and spokesperson for the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) shows how the Supermatch cigarettes were being smuggled. (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)
Kalumba narrated that the trucks were remoulded into two portions.
"On opening the truck, one sees an empty container, and yet the sealed compartment inside is full of cigarettes," he said.
Robert Kalumba, Assistant Commissioner for Public and Corporate Affairs and spokesperson for the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) standing next to the arrested. (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)
He said two people, including Micheal Atiku and Mutebi Bogere, have been arrested in connection with the act and will be arraigned in court.
In addition to using dubious means via road transport, Kalumba noted that smugglers were also taking advantage of the water routes on the River Nile, with the tax body securing speed boats to curb the challenge.
He stated that URA remains committed to fighting smuggling and ensuring that the country gets the required revenue.