Uganda Revenue Authority, URA, has snatched goods worth shs1.9 billion that had been smuggled into the country. The elusive phone smuggler was nabbed following an intelligence tip-off that led enforcement teams to a warehouse at Old Kampala where over 3,800 pieces of assorted phone types were impounded.
However, one of the workers at the facility was arrested during the operation to help in investigations.
URA told uncovered Ugandan news reporters that “The smuggler is believed to be part of a well-organised network that stretches across borders and involves multiple stakeholders—ranging from corrupt officials to middlemen who distribute the phones once they reach Kampala. These networks often thrive where law enforcement is weak or easily circumvented”.
In the past decade, there has been a rise in mobile phone penetration in Uganda, with over 30 million mobile phone subscribers in the country as of December 2023, as smartphones remain essential tools for communication, business, and entertainment.
However, the demand for affordable devices has created an opportunity for smugglers to exploit gaps in the market. Additionally, once they cross the border, they are sold at a lower price than those available through legal channels, making them attractive to consumers.
Phone smuggling typically involves the importation of smartphones and accessories through unofficial or illegal routes, bypassing customs duties and taxes that legitimate businesses are required to pay.
In conclusion, the phones, often sourced from countries like China, Dubai, and even neighbouring countries like Kenya, are brought into Uganda without proper documentation.
Check also;
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- Mathias Mpuuga Announces New Political Formation
- BREAKING! Uganda Airlines To Acquire Two Boeing Freighters
written by @enock katamba
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Enock Katamba – Journalist | Founder of Uncovered Ug (uncoveredug.com)
Enock Katamba is a Ugandan journalist and founder of Uncovered Uganda, a digital online news platform covering health, national news, entertainment, celebrity gossip, music, education, business, sports, and international news. He focuses on delivering accurate, timely, and reliable information to keep the public informed.
Coverage: Health | National | Education | Business | Sports | International | Entertainment | Celebrity Gossip | Music
Published 2,000+ articles on Uncovered Ug (uncoveredug.com)
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