The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has made a major stride in curbing the illegal smartphone market, arresting a key suspect in downtown Kampala during a targeted enforcement operation.
The operation intercepted a large consignment of smuggled mobile phones, some of which were refurbished stolen devices.
Team One Enforcement, which led the raid, reported that the seizure could recover more than Shs 500 million in taxes and penalties once investigations conclude.
The illegal trade has flourished through concealed shipments and clandestine distribution across Kampala’s electronics hub, spanning Kampala Road to Luwum Street.
“As transformational warriors, we shall not drop the baton until the phone market is cleaned of these economic saboteurs,” said Alex Murungi, a URA officer, reaffirming the authority’s commitment to sustained enforcement.
Smugglers are using increasingly sophisticated techniques to evade detection. Phones have been hidden in clothing, power bank casings, and hollowed-out laptops.
Some are transported via long-distance buses, while motorcycle couriers exploit Kampala’s dense traffic to move small consignments undetected.
A growing tactic called “human warehousing” involves coordinated groups carrying small quantities across borders.
URA officials warned that the illicit trade not only deprives government of crucial revenue but also destabilizes legitimate importers and exposes consumers to counterfeit or stolen devices with no warranties.
During verification of the seized stock, officers recovered 4,371 phones, including Nokia button models and Samsung Galaxy devices.
The URA said it would continue strengthening tax policies, streamlining import systems, and employing advanced enforcement techniques to dismantle increasingly tech-savvy smuggling networks.