A substantial shipment of smuggled rice was seized by the Malaba enforcement team in a targeted operation on Friday, December 12. Acting on intelligence that smugglers were planning to move rice from Kenya into Uganda via unofficial border crossings, officers monitored the group’s movements from the border to Tororo.
Investigations showed the smugglers first used a small vehicle to move the rice from Kenya to the Best Petrol Station in Tororo. There, the goods were consolidated and reloaded onto a larger truck destined for Kampala. Through real-time updates on the smugglers’ route, officers set up an ambush.
The truck was intercepted along the Tororo–Busitema road and escorted to a base for inspection. A search revealed undeclared sacks of rice hidden among bags of cement.
The seized shipment included 130 bags (25kg each) of Baraf rice, two cartons (40kg each) of Mohmood rice, and one carton (40kg) of Hilal rice. The rice, which was being transported in a Sino truck, has been secured as evidence.
Customs officials confirmed that procedures to address the offence are being carried out in line with applicable customs laws.
Moses Wanjala, the acting Regional Manager of enforcement in the Eastern region, emphasized that the operation reflects their continued dedication to combating smuggling, protecting local industries, and preserving government revenue.
He encouraged the public to support enforcement operations and to report any suspected smuggling activities through official channels.
