By Mukyala Annloy
Recently, URA conducted an operation where two people were arrested for affixing counterfeit Digital Tax Stamps to products.
The operation followed a report from Brandguard about Kamugisha Samson, who was producing counterfeit products linked to Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL). Brandguard is an agency contracted by UBL to safeguard the UBL brand by combating various forms of abuse and the proliferation of counterfeit goods within the market.
Following the report, the Digital Stamps team carried out an operation at Kamugisha’s residence in Kazo Central, Nabweru and at the factory facility that was around 500 meters away from his home.
Several exhibits were seized, including 22 cases of 200 ml blended whisky, a single unit of G1 Premium GIN Waragi (750 ml), two units of Grade 1 Waragi (200 ml and 750 ml), and 750 ml bottles of wine. GIZMO scans performed on these products at the crime scene showed that they all had fake DTS stamps.
The confiscated goods were promptly secured and transported to the Kawempe Police Post.
Further investigations revealed that Kamugisha is a habitual offender having been apprehended last year for counterfeiting V&A products in an operation that was coordinated by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards.
Kamugisha and his accomplices have been apprehended and case management is underway.
According to section 62B of the Tax Procedures Code act, a person who fails to affix tax stamps on products commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding one thousand currency points or imprisonment not exceeding ten years or both.
