The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has intensified its fight against smuggling after enforcement officers intercepted a consignment of rice hidden inside sacks of corn cobs in Kaliat, Malaba, Tororo District.
The seizure was made by the URA Malaba Enforcement team following intelligence received about suspected smuggled goods being concealed for transportation. The operation uncovered a creative smuggling method where bags of rice were mixed with corn cobs and packed together in large sacks in an attempt to disguise the consignment and evade customs checks.
URA Commissioner General John Musinguzi said the interception demonstrates the authority’s continued commitment to protecting government revenue and ensuring compliance with customs laws.
He emphasized that URA remains focused on strengthening border controls through improved surveillance, intelligence gathering, and collaboration with the public to identify and stop illegal trade practices.
“The fight against smuggling requires collective efforts, including timely information sharing and strong enforcement measures. We will continue using all available resources to ensure that those who attempt to evade customs regulations are brought to account,” Musinguzi said.
During the operation, URA officers recovered 31 bags of Sana Rice, Long Grain, Parboiled, each weighing 25 kilograms, bringing the total weight to 775 kilograms. The consignment, which included rice originating from Pakistan and India, was estimated to be worth Shs5.7 million.
URA Spokesperson Robert Kalumba commended the enforcement teams for the successful operation, saying the recovery highlights the importance of intelligence-led enforcement in combating smuggling networks.
Kalumba noted that smugglers continue to develop new ways of hiding illegal goods, but URA’s surveillance systems and cooperation with informants are helping authorities detect and disrupt such activities.
“The success of this operation demonstrates that timely intelligence, combined with swift operational response, remains one of the most effective ways of disrupting smuggling networks and protecting government revenue,” Kalumba said.
URA has reiterated its call to the public to continue providing information on suspected smuggling activities as the authority steps up efforts to secure Uganda’s borders and promote fair trade practices.
