URA has continued to crack a whip on all those found in possession of contraband cosmetics to protect the lives of Ugandans and encourage fair competition.
Recently, the customs team in fort portal were led to an identified store in which they discovered a smuggled consignment from DRC. They were 85 cartons of assorted cosmetics.
“At the store, we found stay home mothers sheltered in the neighboring rooms pretending not to know what happens in the area. We however knew what we wanted so we carried out a search and found that one of the rooms had smuggled goods,” said Robert Isabirye, a customs officer in Fortportal.
Godson Mwesigye, the Manager Enforcement Operations explained that despite the tight intelligence network to curb importation of such products, smugglers still find their way to return them.
“They declare them as products in transit to the neighboring countries like South Sudan and DR Congo where they are not prohibited, so once they get there they now organise and bring them back in small quantities using trucks,” Mwesigye explained.
On the other hand, Ibrahim Bbossa, the URA Spokesperson noted that continuous importation of such products not only affects the health of Ugandans 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.
Mwesigye also revealed that the smuggling of illegal cosmetics is common in the areas around Lake Albert, Mpondwe, Hoima, Congo, Bunagana and Butogota. He therefore urged the Public to desist from importing or consuming such harmful products as stipulated in the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA). The Act prescribes a penalty of 50% of the value of goods or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or both for those caught in violation of the law. All those found culpable according to the Act are also liable to a fine not exceeding seven thousand dollars and their goods forfeited.
Additional Reporting by Immaculate Wanyenze
