MALABA SMUGGLING BUST! URA Seizes 80 Used Computers In Pre-Dawn Operation

By Evans Najuna

MALABA: Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) enforcement officers have recovered 80 smuggled used computer monitors following a pre-dawn operation at the Malaba border.

The operation targeted a group of motorcyclists suspected of attempting to sneak the consignment into Uganda through the Nile B panya route.

According to URA, the operation followed intelligence received on the night of July 31, 2026, indicating that five motorcyclists were planning to move the computers into the country at around 3:00am.

Acting on the intelligence, the Malaba Enforcement Team positioned itself along the suspected smuggling route in preparation for the operation.

Officers intercepted the lead motorcyclist as the group attempted to move the consignment.

However, the other riders turned back and returned the computers to a nearby storage facility.

URA officers did not abandon the operation.

On August 1, follow-up intelligence helped the enforcement team identify the location where the computers had been hidden.

The team subsequently conducted another operation and recovered the concealed consignment.

Verification established that the goods consisted of 80 used computer monitors.

URA said the interception demonstrates the importance of intelligence-led enforcement in disrupting smuggling activities along Uganda’s borders.

The Authority also warned smugglers that enforcement teams remain vigilant and will continue monitoring routes commonly used to bypass customs controls.

The recovered computers are also subject to specific restrictions under Uganda’s customs laws.

URA noted that under the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACMA), the importation of used computers is prohibited.

The Malaba operation therefore prevented the prohibited consignment from entering the Ugandan market through an illegal route.

The seizure comes amid continued efforts by URA enforcement teams to curb smuggling, protect government revenue and ensure compliance with customs laws.

The Authority has increasingly relied on intelligence and targeted operations to identify concealed goods and disrupt networks attempting to evade customs controls.