Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has intercepted over 16,000 kilograms of smuggled rice and wheat in Eastern Uganda in the past week, as part of an intensified operation aimed at curbing illegal trade in the region.
The seizures, which took place in Namayingo, Namayemba, Busitema, and Mbale, include 10,375 kilograms of rice and 6,000 kilograms of wheat.
The intercepts were part of a broader effort by URA, supported by intelligence tip-offs, to crack down on smuggling activities along Uganda's porous borders.
On November 19, a truck registered as KCY237Q/ZE2410 was stopped along the Busia-Jinja road after officers became suspicious due to a manufacturer's seal on the vehicle.
Upon inspection, they found 2,400 kilograms of assorted Pakistani rice, as well as textiles, including 13 bales of fabric and 5 bales of used clothing.
"The seal raised doubts, and upon further inspection, we uncovered the smuggled goods," said URA
Similarly, in Busitema, URA intercepted a Ugandan-registered truck, UBL 482L/UBL088Q, transporting clinker to Rwanda. After close monitoring, the truck was found to contain 4,840 kilograms of Hilal, Mahmood, Sana, and Baraf Pakistani rice concealed inside the clinker.
"Our team acted on a tip-off, and the interception was a direct result of our surveillance efforts," the management noted.
Two significant intercepts were also made in Namayingo. On November 10, 750 kilograms of Indus rice were recovered from a truck in Busia district.
Later, on November 19, another truck was caught transporting 2,400 kilograms of Pakistani rice and other items, including textile material, garments, and used undergarments.
"These operations demonstrate our commitment to cracking down on smuggling along major border routes," said the URA official.
In Namayemba, the Malaba enforcement team uncovered 2,385 kilograms of Basmati rice from two consolidation centers, further highlighting the ongoing challenge of rice smuggling in the region.
URA also targeted wheat smugglers in Mbale, where an Isuzu Elf truck (UBG 568G) was intercepted, carrying 6,000 kilograms of wheat flour from Kenya.
"We are following a syndicate that has been disrupting the market with smuggled wheat flour," the taxman explained.
The rise in smuggling activities in the Eastern region has been attributed to Uganda's proximity to several entry points, including the Busia and Malaba One Stop Border Posts, and various un-manned areas.
URA plans to address these vulnerabilities by increasing staff numbers and enhancing surveillance technology.
Under the East African Community Customs Act of 2004, as amended, vehicles used in smuggling can be fined up to USD 5,000, and URA has the authority to seize these vehicles.
URA has urged the public to report any suspicious activities, saying that combating smuggling is a collective effort.
"We encourage citizens to work with us in exposing illegal trade practices, ensuring fair and legal business operations across the country," noted the tax body.