BRIBE SHOCK! Serial Smuggler Segane Remanded Over Tax Evasion, Customs Scam
Notorious Smuggler Timothy Segane
Serial smuggler Timothy Segane has been remanded to Luzira Prison after being accused of offering a bribe to a customs officer in a bid to evade taxes and beat customs controls.
Segane, who was arrested on August 25, 2026, after allegedly attempting to bribe a customs officer, has now been further remanded until September 16, 2026.
The latest development came when Segane reappeared before the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court on Friday, where the court extended his remand as investigations into his alleged criminal operations continue.
Appearing before Principal Magistrate Grade I Paul Mujuni, the court heard that Segane and his alleged accomplices face a total of four serious charges.
The charges include making false declarations to customs, tax evasion, corruption and conspiring to break customs laws.
Court documents allege that Segane bribed customs officials to help him evade taxes and manipulate the customs clearance process.
Investigators further allege that he paid off officials to allow his containers to dodge scanners and have the value of his imported goods reduced, thereby lowering the amount of tax he was required to pay.
The alleged scheme is said to have caused the government to lose hundreds of millions of shillings in unpaid taxes.
Magistrate Mujuni once again denied Segane bail and ordered that he remain at Murchison Bay Prison, Luzira, until the next court appearance.
His case will return to court on September 16, 2026, for further mention.
The charges against Segane have been brought under the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA) and the Anti-Corruption Act.
URA: HE DIDN’T WORK ALONE
URA Assistant Commissioner for Public and Corporate Affairs Robert Kalumba, who earlier confirmed Segane’s arrest, welcomed the court’s decision.
Kalumba said the new allegations involving bribery and allegedly bypassing customs scanners expose the extent of the scheme under investigation.
“This is exactly the kind of corruption we are fighting,” Kalumba said.
“Segane did not work alone, and the investigation into his accomplices continues.”
The court also noted that Segane is not the only accused person in the case, with the charge sheet listing the matter as “Uganda vs Timothy Segane and others.”
This means more suspects could face prosecution as investigations continue.
MUSINGUZI CRACKS DOWN
The case comes amid an intensified crackdown by URA Commissioner General John Rujoki Musinguzi against tax evasion, smuggling, fraudulent clearing agents and corrupt officials accused of facilitating revenue leakages.
Musinguzi has also intensified scrutiny of URA staff, resulting in arrests of officers accused of soliciting bribes and abetting revenue losses.
Rather than relying solely on harsh enforcement around systems such as the Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing System (EFRIS), URA under Musinguzi has also stepped up taxpayer sensitisation and established direct support offices in busy trading centres, including Kikuubo.
Musinguzi has warned smugglers and tax cheats that the Authority will not relent in protecting government revenue and legitimate businesses.
“We shall not give up enforcement on tax evaders and smugglers who undermine our economy, and the efforts of genuine taxpayers,” Musinguzi said.
He urged businesses and individuals to work with URA by reporting suspicious trade practices and helping strengthen compliance.
With investigations still ongoing, more suspects linked to the Segane case could soon be brought before court.
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