URA Cracks Down on Smugglers, Millions in Potential Tax Recovered
Acting on intelligence, URA's team One conducted the operation in areas like Namayiba Bus Park, Gayaza, Kayunga, and Nakasongola lake shores. Their vigilance paid off, resulting in the seizure of a significant amount of smuggled goods worth millions of Ugandan shillings (UGX).
The Ugandan Revenue Authority (URA) wrapped up a successful week-long operation targeting tax evaders and smugglers in key locations around the country. This crackdown aimed to intercept smuggled goods and ensure proper tax collection.
Acting on intelligence, URA's team One conducted the operation in areas like Namayiba Bus Park, Gayaza, Kayunga, and Nakasongola lake shores. Their vigilance paid off, resulting in the seizure of a significant amount of smuggled goods worth millions of Ugandan shillings (UGX).
The tactics employed by URA varied depending on the location. At Namayiba, hidden spaghetti was discovered under a bus from Burundi. In Magere, a residence yielded several rolls of undisclosed textile material. Kayunga and Nakasongola saw chase-and-intercept maneuvers, leading to the recovery of rice and milk, respectively.
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The impressive haul from the operation included:
- 302.4kgs of powdered milk
- 500kgs of spaghetti
- 2,120kgs of basmati rice
- 14,370.36sqm of textile material
- 250kgs of prohibited cosmetics
- 3 motor vehicles
URA estimates that the seized goods represent a potential tax revenue loss of UGX 64,497,278 (approximately $16,972,968).
Armstrong Turyakira, URA's supervisor in Customs, issued a stern warning to tax evaders and smugglers. He emphasized URA's unwavering commitment to enforcing tax laws and penalizing those who undermine the economy through illicit trading. Turyakira urged businesses and individuals to comply with tax regulations and encouraged the public to report any suspicious trade practices they encounter.
This successful operation serves as a strong message from URA. They are actively working to combat smuggling and ensure that businesses contribute their fair share through taxes.
