URA Enforncement Team Seizes Over 37 Tonnes of Smuggled Rice in Major Border Crackdown

Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) Customs Intelligence officers have seized more than 37,000 kilograms of smuggled rice in a month-long operation targeting illegal cross-border trade along Uganda’s borders with Tanzania and Kenya.

The operation led to the interception of several trucks allegedly involved in a coordinated smuggling network that sought to bring undeclared rice into Uganda while evading customs duties and taxes.

According to URA, intelligence officers conducted weeks of surveillance, monitored suspicious cargo movements, and gathered information from various sources before carrying out the crackdown.

Among the vehicles intercepted was truck registration number UBG 216W, which was found carrying 7,000 kilograms of rice believed to have been smuggled from Tanzania. Another truck, UBE 277N, was impounded while transporting 1,050 kilograms of Pure Basmati Parboiled Rice under the Pakistan-Baraf brand.

Investigators also intercepted truck UAT 681B carrying 121 bags of Pakistan Long Grain Grade 1 Rice, each weighing 50 kilograms. The vehicle was additionally loaded with toilet paper, edible salt, and baking flour.

Customs officials said the combination of products appeared to be a deliberate attempt to conceal the rice shipment among legitimate commercial goods and avoid detection.

Another truck, registration number UBF 516A, was seized while transporting 200 bags of Pakistan Long Grain Grade 1 Rice.

In one of the largest interceptions during the operation, trucks T818EBC and T738EBB were found carrying a combined 23,800 kilograms of rice that had reportedly been smuggled from Tanzania into Uganda.

URA said the operation exposed a well-organized smuggling network that relied on informal border crossings, back routes, and concealed cargo to bypass customs controls.

The authority noted that smuggling continues to undermine legitimate trade, deprive the government of tax revenue, and create unfair competition for compliant businesses.

Officials described the successful operation as a major step in the fight against tax evasion and illegal cross-border trade, warning that surveillance and intelligence efforts along Uganda’s borders will continue.

The seized goods and vehicles remain under customs control as investigations into the suspected smuggling syndicate continue.