SMUGGLERS’ CORN SACK TRICK BUSTED! URA Nabs 775kg Rice Worth Shs5.7m in Malaba
Uganda Revenue Authority’s Malaba Enforcement team has intercepted a consignment of smuggled rice concealed in sacks of corn cobs in Kaliat, Malaba, Tororo District.
The operation was conducted following credible information from an informant regarding suspected concealed smuggled goods.
“During the operation, the team recovered a consignment of rice that had been concealed in preparation for transportation. Smugglers are bundling bags of rice and corn cobs in one big sack, a method deliberately designed to disguise the true nature of the consignment and evade detection,” said Assistant Commissioner Public and Corporate Affairs at the URA, Robert Kalumba.
Kalumba explained that upon verification, they established that the consignment comprised 31 bags of Sana Rice, Long Grain, Parboiled, each weighing 25kg, giving a total weight of 775kgs.
Of these, 25 bags originated from Pakistan, and six bags from India and the estimated recovery value of the goods is UGX 5.7M.
“While we continue to strengthen surveillance, smugglers are also constantly developing more creative and sophisticated concealment methods to evade customs controls,” Kalumba noted.
He commended the enforcement teams for the seizure saying that the recovery highlights the critical role of human intelligence in combating smuggling.
“The success of this operation demonstrates that timely intelligence, combined with swift operational response, remains one of the most effective ways of disrupting smuggling networks and protecting government revenue,” he said.
Recently, a joint operation between the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and the Uganda Peoples Defense Forces (UPDF) has led to the recovery of 100 jerrycans and 20 litres of ethanol.
Over the years, URA has intercepted a wide range of concealed goods, including sugar, rice, textiles, cooking oil, electronics, cosmetics and alcohol hidden in false compartments, mixed with legitimate cargo, transported through ungazetted border routes or accompanied by falsified customs documentation.
Revenue officials say such practices not only deprive the government of much-needed tax revenue but also undermine compliant traders who pay the required import duties and taxes.
Smuggled goods may also bypass mandatory quality and safety inspections, exposing consumers to potentially substandard products.
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