By Simon Ssentale & Immaculate Wanyenze
Despite their prohibition in Uganda, cosmetics have increasingly become common on the Ugandan market because of what they promise- “beauty.”
URA has also not given up the fight. It has continuously cracked a whip on all those found in possession of these products to protect the lives of Ugandans and encourage fair competition.
Yesterday, the URA customs team in Masaka intercepted a Gate way bus registration no UAU 951B for concealing uncustomed cosmetics in the fuel tank compartment. The bus was destined to Kampala to sell off their merchandise at a giveaway price.
In another bus Reg. no UAY 458 assorted cosmetics were impounded. During verification, the following items were discovered;20 cartons of pawpaw cremes,30 cartons of beaution crème, 40ctns of beaution Huile hydratante, 10ctns of cocopulp crème and 10ctns of pawpaw savon clarifiant soap.
According to Simon Ssentale, one of the officers who was part of the interception, some of these cosmetics are being examined.
“As part of offence management, 2 pieces of beaution crème have been forwarded to the URA Science laboratory to rule out any form of hydroquinone and mercury that could have been disguised under special lightening ingredient,” Ssentale explained.
On the other hand, Ibrahim Bbossa, the URA Spokesperson noted that continuous importation of such products not only affects health but also affects the taxes URA collects for improved service delivery.
“There are bad practices we have come across as a revenue mobiliser where people are engaging in illicit trade and contraband products. These products do not pay taxes and it is incumbent on us as a revenue mobiliser to work with other government agencies to take action,” Bbossa affirmed.
