By Kamugisha Kabahweza Allan
URA enforcement in Namayingo team has impounded two vehicles conveying uncustomed rice, some of which was expired.
According to Wilson Tumwesigye, the Officer in Charge, the first vehicle, a double cabin reg. no. UBB 627J was apprehended on 10th November 2024 while the second, a Toyota Corona reg. no. UAH 945A was nabbed yesterday early morning.
“Rice is one of the common commodities that are smuggled into our country through the porous borders, and we are determined to curtail this smuggling,” he said.
Before the operations, Tumwesigye explained that they received intel on a double cabin that was being loaded with smuggled rice at a hidden spot in Busia district. The team swiftly set on the wheels closing off all possible exit routes.
As they were out guarding roads against smugglers, a Toyota Corona appeared and disappeared in the blink of an eye within one of the trading center of Bukoli, Mayuge district.
“It came through and disappeared, and we went ahead and hibernated off the road. Within 30 minutes the Corona appeared, switching off the headlights before landing in our drill,” Tumwesigye narrated.
On verification, 610 kgs of Baraf rice were expired. In total, over 1,350 kgs of Baraf and Indus rice were impounded together with their means of conveyance.
Recently in Busia, Commissioner General John R. Musinguzi implored the URA Customs staff to heavily penalize persons smuggling goods into the country in order to deter the vice and issue a maximum penalty for any vehicle carrying smuggled items.
