The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has arrested Timothy Segawe, a container leader accused of being at the centre of a network involved in tax evasion, customs fraud and frustrating importers.
Segawe was arrested as part of URA’s continued crackdown on individuals involved in illegal practices that undermine trade, deny government revenue and cause losses to businesses.
According to URA, Segawe allegedly held onto imported merchandise belonging to several traders, delayed cargo clearance and was involved in the under-declaration of customs duties.
Assistant Commissioner for Public and Corporate Affairs Robert Kalumba said some taxpayers have often blamed URA for delayed clearance of their goods, yet in some cases the delays are caused by dishonest container leaders.
“Taxpayers often claim that URA is holding their goods. But these are the actions of unscrupulous container leaders like Timothy Segawe,” Kalumba said.
He added that URA had been searching for Segawe for nearly a year after receiving information that he was frustrating importers who were unaware of his alleged dealings.
Kalumba further said Segawe’s company, Timways Enterprises Uganda Ltd, is linked to alleged tax evasion amounting to hundreds of millions of shillings and losses suffered by traders.
“His accomplices, some of whom are URA staff, are also under investigation and will be brought to book,” he said.
Speaking on the crackdown, URA Commissioner General John Musinguzi said the authority will continue pursuing individuals involved in revenue fraud and trade-related crimes to protect compliant businesses and strengthen Uganda’s tax system.
“URA will not allow a few individuals to undermine our trade systems, frustrate taxpayers and deprive the country of the revenue needed for national development,” Musinguzi said.
Segawe appeared before Principal Magistrate Grade I Paul Mujuni at the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court, where he was denied bail and remanded to Luzira Prison.
URA says the case is part of wider investigations targeting revenue leakages, corruption and fraudulent practices within the trade sector as the authority works to improve service delivery and protect taxpayers.
