By Irene Kabakama
URA’s efforts to combat illicit trade have been notably successful over the Easter season, as enforcement officers intercepted several smuggled goods across the country.
As the celebratory season approached, trade volumes surged with businesses seeking to grow their sales and maximize profits. However, this potential was threatened by economic saboteurs flooding the market with contraband and un customed goods. In response, enforcement officers intensified their surveillance efforts nationwide.
On Saturday April 20, 2025, the URA Hoima enforcement team received intelligence at 6:00 PM about a suspicious vehicle, a Toyota Super Custom registration number UBB 394W, which seemed to be involved in suspicious activities.
The team took to the intel and deployed vehicles from all stations to cordon off potential escape routes leading from Hoima City.
After 5 hours of watching the rain fall and the wind blow in the late hours of the night, while tactfully hidden behind a truck, the Super Custom was later spotted at 3:30 AM and was intercepted at Biiso- Buliisa.
It was found carrying 700 dozen of un customed and contraband cosmetics, including skin bleaching creams containing hydroquinone and mercury, substances that researchers have on several occasions linked to cancer.
Upon verifying the vehicle contained 144 dozen of Paw Paw crème, 40 dozen of Miki claire crème, 248 dozen of Beaution crème, 184 dozen of Coco pulp, 12 dozen of Princess claire crème and 72 dozen of carolight.
To counter the ongoing challenges of smuggling, URA has intensified its intelligence-guided operations, utilizing Non-Intrusive Inspection technology at border points and conducting field intelligence enforcement operations. Additionally, URA is revamping the tax education awareness, particularly about the dangers of smuggling to individuals, communities, and the economy.
