URA Enforncement Team Intercepts Smuggled Phones and Rice in Intelligence-Led Operations

The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has intercepted thousands of smuggled mobile phones and bags of rice in two separate intelligence-led operations aimed at curbing illegal trade into Kampala’s Central Business District.

According to Steven Ssebitosi, an enforcement officer in URA’s Central Region, the operations were carried out following two weeks of intelligence gathering by Team One Enforcement, which had been tracking the movement of smuggled goods into the city.

In the first operation, enforcement officers intercepted three vehicles, two Toyota Noahs bearing registration numbers UBR 874J and UBR 742F, and a Toyota Wish, registration number UAV 838E.

A preliminary inspection uncovered an estimated 25,000 assorted new button phones and 4,000 assorted new smartphones suspected to have been smuggled into the country without following the required customs procedures.

The operation also led investigators to a suspected storage facility in Kyanja believed to be used for consolidating smuggled mobile phones before distribution.

The vehicles and seized goods were escorted to URA offices in Nakawa for further verification and management.

In a separate crackdown, enforcement officers intercepted a Tata truck, registration number UBE 753F, in Kalerwe. The truck was reportedly transporting cement but was later found to be concealing bags of basmati rice.

After the vehicle was taken to the command centre for inspection, officers discovered 100 bags of basmati rice weighing 25 kilograms each hidden among the declared cargo.

Ssebitosi said investigations and offence management procedures are ongoing as authorities work to establish the full extent of the smuggling operations and identify those involved.

He reaffirmed URA’s commitment to combating smuggling, warning that illegal trade undermines legitimate businesses and deprives the government of much-needed revenue.

The latest seizures form part of URA’s continued efforts to strengthen border controls, disrupt smuggling networks, and protect the country’s tax base.