Nakasongola;— The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has destroyed over 47 tonnes of contraband goods worth UGX 16.46 billion as part of a sustained nationwide campaign against illicit trade.
The destruction exercise took place at the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) destruction grounds in Nakasongola District.
The consignment included assorted illicit cigarettes, chewing tobacco, marijuana, expired cosmetics and medicines, among other prohibited and damaged products.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Moses Kyomuhendo, URA’s Manager for Customs, said that the seized items were impounded by enforcement officers across the country during various operations targeting smugglers and distributors of illegal products.
“We destroyed 47.5 tonnes of illicit cigarettes worth UGX 16,464,307,314. The brands included Supermatch, Oris, Business Royal, Shamlam, several Chinese brands, electronic cigarettes and shisha, all confiscated by our enforcement teams,” Kyomuhendo revealed.
He noted that the Authority is intensifying intelligence-led operations to dismantle smuggling networks, adding that enforcement officers have been deployed along porous border points and at suspected consolidation centres to curb the vice.
Ms. Sanyu Kebirungi, a Customs Supervisor, said that a significant portion of the expired and damaged goods—such as cosmetics, medicines, fishing nets and toothpaste—were seized at border points including Mutukula, Malaba, Katuna, Mpondwe and Kaiso.
“Expired and damaged goods pose a great risk to public health. Some cosmetics contain dangerous chemicals such as hydroquinone and mercury, which are harmful to users,” Kebirungi warned.
Kyomuhendo further stressed that illicit trade undermines legitimate businesses, deprives the government of revenue and distorts fair market competition. He reaffirmed URA’s commitment to working with stakeholders to eliminate smuggling and protect Uganda’s economy.
The destruction exercise was witnessed by URA personnel, Mr. Charles Nsamba from British American Tobacco (BAT) Uganda and Major Benon Twizere from the National Enterprise Corporation.
