The case against serial smuggler Timothy Segane has taken a new turn after the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court extended his remand until September 16, 2026.Segane, who was arrested on August 25, 2026, appeared before His Worship Paul Mujuni, Principal Magistrate Grade I of the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court. He is facing four charges arising from his dealings with customs officials, including making a false declaration to customs, tax evasion, corruption and conspiracy to contravene customs laws.According to the charge sheet, the case is registered as Uganda vs Timothy Segane and others.
Segane is charged with making a false declaration to customs, contrary to Section 203 of the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA).He is also charged with tax evasion under the same law, corruption under Sections 2(a) and 26 of the Anti-Corruption Act, and conspiracy to contravene Section 193 of the EACCMA.The prosecution says Segane bribed customs officials to help him evade taxes on goods brought into the country. He is also accused of working with officials to dodge customs scanners and reduce the declared value of goods in his containers, resulting in lower tax assessments.The case has brought to light the methods through which customs procedures were bypassed. The prosecution says the activities resulted in the government losing hundreds of millions of shillings in taxes.Segane is not facing the case alone. The charge sheet names “Timothy Segane and others,” as investigations continue into other people connected to the customs and tax offences. More suspects could be brought before court depending on the outcome of the investigations.
During the latest court appearance, Magistrate Mujuni denied Segane bail and ordered him to remain at Murchison Bay Prison in Luzira. He will return to court on September 16, 2026, when the case will come up for mention.Uganda Revenue Authority Commissioner General John R. Musinguzi said the case highlights the seriousness of the fight against tax evasion, corruption and abuse of customs procedures. The CG said URA remains committed to working with other law enforcement agencies to ensure that people involved in tax and customs offences are brought to justice.The case is significant because it involves interference with key customs controls, including the scanning of containers and the declaration of goods for tax purposes.
Such practices can reduce government revenue and undermine businesses that comply with the law.As the case proceeds, investigators are expected to continue examining Segane’s dealings with customs officials and the involvement of other people named in the case. The September 16 court appearance is expected to provide further direction on the matter.Segane remains on remand at Murchison Bay Prison as the court process continues. Although he has been formally charged, the court has not yet convicted him of the offences.
