By Kabahweza Kamugisha Allan
URA Customs in Jinja has impounded 10,000 pieces of Kitenge fabric that had been smuggled into the country.
Philip Ofubo, a customs officer attached to the Jinja office said the fabric was seized in an operation that was conducted at the Nile Bridge last Thursday night.
“We got information of a dark-tinted Harrier loaded with fabrics. In the middle of Thursday night, we patiently waited for it. A one Hassan Nsubuga, unaware of our heightened intel and galvanized resolve to completely cut off the eastern access, dared to approach our Jinja bridge,” said Ofubo.
He explained that upon thorough inspection of the vehicle, 10,000 pieces of uncustomed fabrics each measuring 5.5M x 1.4m were found.
Ofubo noted that as the festive season approaches, the demand for garments heightens, and as such, several profit-seeking dealers tend to want to make quick and abnormal profits whilst avoiding contributing their share of taxes.
This impounding comes at the heels of a caution to importers of garments in which Commissioner Customs Abel Kagumire appealed to importers to declare their goods before entering the country.
Kagumire noted that some traders are using long-distance buses as a means of conveyance through the bus terminal while others are smuggling them into the country.
“The enforcement report shows that smuggling of textiles and garments is still a big problem in Uganda, but I appeal to you to stop the vice,” said Kagumire.
According to sections 199(iii) and 244(2) of the East African Community Customs Management Act, the owner of a means of conveyance used in smuggling is liable to a fine not exceeding USD 5,000.
