Mbale and Busia are believed to be the key hubs for notorious smugglers because of the many porous routes. However, this hobby may die soon because of URA ‘s improved intelligence networks in the region and daily surveillance operations.
Recently, a smuggler driving truck UBG506D tried his luck in the wee hours but could not go further because the team was alert. After a long chase, he was netted in Busembatia.
He had loaded his truck with 4.5tons of re-bagged Kenyan rice compacted in timber mixed with Ugandan rice.
Luke Kivumbi, the officer who was lead of the operation in Mbale said the driver identified as Musinguzi Ivan has since been penalized for loading illicit goods. The goods have also been held at URA stores in Mbale awaiting the owner.
In Busia, the team also received intelligence information about a truck suspected to be conveying smuggled rice that had managed to sneak into Busia via one of the porous border points at Sibarara Village-Daban. Here a truck was intercepted with smuggled Pakistan rice of 12 tons. This truck plus contents are currently at the Busia offices pending further interrogation.
Reporting by;Luke Kivumbi, Moses Amwine & Immaculate Wanyenze
