By Frank Kamuntu
The Uganda Revenue Authority Customs team is determined to put an end to smuggling in Mutukula area, a vice it says sabotages URA’s efforts to make Uganda economically independent.
As 2023 ended, the URA Mutukula team, after a good chase, impounded a motor vehicle, Ipsum registration number UAU 377B carrying 50 rolls of assorted fabric materials smuggled into Uganda. The fabrics, mostly polyester, include plain, stretching, printed and embroiled.
URA customs officer, Moses Ankunda has said that they, last Friday, organized and sent enough troops in three pairs to make ambushes around areas of Kattiro, Koza and Kayembe.
“As usual, this smuggler brought in his rolls of fabric from Dar es Salam by Classic Bus. He planned how to transport them straight to Kampala without paying a single penny to URA. Our roving eyes were following him step by step as we prepared ahead of time. We formed three pairs to carry out ambushes. If one team missed him, the second and third teams would not miss the target,” he elaborated.
Ankunda explained that smugglers have recent resorted to cheaper means of conveyance of smuggled goods such as motorcycles to cross to consolidating points in Uganda before loading onto motor vehicles.
The customs officer noted that the owner on the goods will pay a penalty of 50% of their dutiable value and taxes due before release. In contrast, the owner of the motor vehicle will pay a fine for conveying uncustomed goods and the vehicle is liable to forfeiture.
URA Commissioner Customs, Abel Kagumire late last year urged traders of fabrics to use the right channels to bring in their goods saying that smuggling comes with a heavy price and hinders Uganda’s economic growth.
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