Uganda Revenue Authority Commissioner General John Musinguzi Rujoki has honoured a customs officer for intercepting a suspected $10.2 million (about Shs38 billion) cash concealment during a cargo inspection.
Rujoki praised the integrity and commitment of the official - a woman whose identity has been concealed on request - to enforcement procedures in a case that has drawn internal commendation within the tax authority.
The recognition took place at a ceremony held at the URA Commissioners’ Boardroom, where senior management applauded the customs official for what leadership described as a decisive act that reinforced the institution’s anti-smuggling and compliance mandate.
Speaking at the event, Musinguzi described her action as exemplary and said it reflected the standards URA expects from its staff in safeguarding public revenue and maintaining institutional integrity.
“We have what it takes to serve our country and do it efficiently. Your firm resolve to uphold integrity despite pressure not to declare the money reflects a high standard of accountability the institution embodies,” Musinguzi said.
He added that customs official’s conduct should serve as an example to other officers, reinforcing URA’s mission of mobilising revenue for national development through transparency and strict enforcement.
According to the customs official, the incident occurred during routine cargo verification when she inspected a container belonging to a Ugandan returning from Turkey.
She said the shipment contained four boxes among personal effects, initially appearing to carry household items.
“I opened one box and it had kitchenware, but upon opening the next one I saw paper money,” she said during the ceremony attended by senior URA officials.
The customs official further revealed that immediately after the discovery, a clearing agent attempted to persuade her not to escalate the matter, suggesting she could benefit personally if she ignored it.
“The moment I discovered the money, the clearing agent started convincing me not to escalate the matter, saying it was my time to get rich,” she added.
The customs official resisted the temptation that is said to have been in the region of Shs3 million in bribe.
URA officials said the interception underscores the importance of physical verification in cargo clearance processes, which continues to play a key role in detecting irregularities that may evade automated systems.
The authority’s enforcement system relies on risk-based cargo profiling, including red channel physical inspection, yellow channel document review, green channel automatic release, and blue channel post-clearance audit.
URA also highlighted measures such as mandatory cargo scanning, digital declarations, and individual house bills of lading as part of efforts to strengthen transparency and reduce exploitation by intermediaries.
Musinguzi commended the customs official and the enforcement team involved, urging staff across the authority to uphold vigilance and professionalism in safeguarding national revenue.
