By Joseph Kiggundu
Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) enforcement officers at Entebbe International Airport have intercepted 448 mobile phones valued at more than US$76,704 (about Shs280.3billion) in a series of operations targeting illicit trade.
Assistant Commissioner for Public and Corporate Affairs, Robert Kalumba, said the latest seizures highlight a growing trend of phone smuggling as traffickers attempt to dodge lawful taxes.
In one incident, smugglers allegedly enlisted a terminal cleaner in an inside job aimed at bypassing standard security checks. Inside a restroom, the cleaner received high value smartphones and concealed 40 handsets in her underwear. Her stiff, unnatural walk drew the attention of enforcement officers, who intercepted her and ordered a detailed search that uncovered all the hidden devices.
In a separate operation, officers disrupted a suspected high end black market network reportedly using the airport’s premium lounge. Acting on specific intelligence, they intercepted a traveler posing as a VIP passenger and searched their luxury luggage, discovering 60 high end smartphones and effectively dismantling the scheme. Kalumba noted that all the confiscated consignments have been seized and offence management processes are underway.
Meanwhile, URA Commissioner General John Musinguzi has urged taxpayers to opt for compliance instead of smuggling, pointing to the ongoing tax waiver programme. The scheme wipes out 100% of accumulated interest and penalties for taxpayers who settle all outstanding principal domestic taxes incurred up to June 30, 2024, provided payment is made by June 30, 2026.