By Akinyi Winiefred, Media Management
Uganda Revenue Authority together with police in Mbarara have raided the home of a trader commonly known as Ssalongo and recovered over 100 cartons of uncustomed goods. According to officer Emmanuel Kabuye, Ssalongo has been under the radar of enforcement officers for the supply of uncustomed goods especially spaghetti and cosmetics from Tanzania.
Previous attempts to nail him have been futile as the serial smuggler had counter surveillance of his own. Ssalongo’s luck however ran out when enforcement teams from Mbarara, Bugangi and Ntuura teamed up and raided his home and shop finding him in possession of the said goods.
The home occupants tried to rid the home of the “exhibits” by throwing them over the wall but their efforts were futile as officers stationed outside intercepted them.
The intercepted goods were taken to the URA area office and on verification found to contain, 110 cartons of petroleum jelly and 3 cartons of body creams.
Ssalongo was subsequently arrested and later released on bond. He is to be charged in court for outright smuggling contrary to section 200 of the East African Customs Management Act 2004.
