As the festive season approaches, the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has intensified its enforcement operations in response to rising smuggling activities.
A suspected kitenge smuggler transporting fabric from Busia was intercepted in Tororo District on the night of Saturday, November 15. The suspect, driving a Bighorn Isuzu with registration number UAP 446G, reportedly fled from enforcement teams, prompting a high-speed pursuit that stretched from Busia to Tororo.
“Despite our repeated signals instructing the driver to stop, he refused to comply. We then carefully manoeuvred ahead of the suspect, and upon realising he could not outrun our team, the driver stopped,” an enforcement officer said.
The vehicle was later escorted to the Malaba Enforcement Office, where officers verified and recovered 79 bundles of waxed cotton kitenge fabric, each containing 10 pieces. URA is processing the case in line with customs laws.
This incident follows a similar interception earlier this month in Mbale District, where another individual was caught smuggling kitenge fabric.
URA officials say the spike in smuggling attempts is linked to increased festive-season trade activity.
“Our teams are more vigilant, and we shall ensure all traders go through proper customs procedures,” said Moses Wanjala, the acting Manager of Enforcement Operations for the Eastern region.
