The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has uncovered a sophisticated cigarette smuggling operation in which more than 300 cartons of cigarettes were hidden inside specially modified Fuso trucks.
The two trucks, registration numbers UAX 194X and UAM B109, were intercepted in separate operations in Arua and Pakwach. The vehicles, together with the suspected smuggled cigarettes, were later taken to URA Headquarters in Nakawa for further examination.
In Arua, URA enforcement officers intercepted truck UAX 194X and discovered that cartons of cigarettes had been hidden beneath several layers of welded metal at the base of the vehicle.
The smugglers had reportedly gone to great lengths to conceal the modification. Wooden lemon carriers were placed over the altered section to make it look like an ordinary part of the truck’s carrier and avoid suspicion during inspection.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the cigarettes had been loaded in Ariwara, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, before the truck began its journey towards Uganda.
A separate discovery was made in Pakwach, where enforcement officers intercepted another Fuso truck, UAM B109. The vehicle had a fabricated compartment welded onto its front structure, where additional cartons of cigarettes had been concealed.
According to URA, the truck was reportedly coming from South Sudan, entering Uganda through Panyamur in Arua, before continuing its journey through West Nile.
The extent of the modifications became clear when URA officers had to use a grinder to cut through the welded metal sections before they could access the hidden compartments.
Speaking to journalists at URA Headquarters in Nakawa, the Assistant Commissioner for Public and Corporate Affairs, Robert Kalumba, said the interceptions were part of intensified enforcement against smuggling, particularly through porous entry points.
Kalumba explained that the cigarettes were manufactured in Uganda for export to the Central African Republic, but were allegedly being smuggled back into Uganda through South Sudan.
Two suspected drivers, Atiko Michael and Mutebi Bogere, were also presented to the media after being apprehended and transferred to Kampala to face charges in court.
URA Commissioner General John R. Musinguzi has meanwhile called on Ugandans to reject smuggling and support efforts to protect government revenue.
Musinguzi said smugglers continue to hurt the country’s economy, but warned that URA enforcement teams are intensifying operations across the country and that those involved will be held accountable.
He also urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspected smuggling activities through URA’s whistleblowing channels.
The latest interceptions highlight the increasingly sophisticated methods being used by smugglers to move contraband across Uganda’s borders, as enforcement authorities step up efforts to close revenue leakages and protect legitimate businesses.
