URA Warns Business Community as 180 Tonnes of Smuggled Goods are Destroyed in Nakasongola”

Recently, the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) issued a warning to the business community about the dangers of smuggling goods. This caution followed the destruction of over 180 tonnes of contraband in Nakasongola. The seized items, which included cosmetics, used underwear, beers, wines, and other products, were intercepted at various border points and markets.

Canon Milton Rahuka, the Customs Manager in charge of warehousing, reported that the destroyed contraband was valued at Shs 1 billion, with more than 200 tonnes still pending destruction, including items like computers, cigarettes, expired soap, and fridges.

Rahuka emphasized that customs’ role extends beyond destroying contraband; it also involves collecting revenue, facilitating trade, and protecting the public from harmful products. For instance, the destroyed underwear, wines, and cosmetics contained dangerous substances like hydroquinone and mercury, which are known to cause cancer and other health issues.

Enforcement teams nationwide are tasked with intercepting smuggled goods, particularly at borders with the DRC and South Sudan. These items are then consolidated at the URA’s central warehouse in Nakawa.

According to the East Africa and Customs Management Act, the commissioner of customs has the authority to destroy contraband in designated areas such as the Nakasongola industrial park. The destruction is managed by accredited companies, with Luwero Industries handling the destruction and Rugarwana Industries managing transportation.

Rahuka noted that the importation of used undergarments is illegal, and these items are treated as contraband. They are seized and destroyed under the commissioner’s orders.

Ian Mukisa, the supervisor at Luwero Industries, described the process: “We received a large quantity of contraband, which we destroyed by crushing it with an excavator.” He added that destruction methods vary based on the nature of the items, including incineration, direct landfilling, evaporation of non-toxic liquids, and neutralization of acids and other toxic substances. Mukisa mentioned that because of the bulk and sensitivity of the items, crushing was preferred to avoid the need for temporary storage and sorting.