URA impounds illicit goods in new “Zabike” operation
Drake Nyamugabwa
Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) in an operation dubbed “Zabike” launched by the department of Customs Enforcement in May 2022 has impounded various illicit goods being smuggled in to the country a move according sources from URA is aimed at protecting the economy and promoting local production.
The Authority intercepted over 50 cargo trucks/consignments under various clearance regimes from eastern, western and central regions of the country and other uncustomed goods.
Julius Nkwasire Mponoka,The Assistant Commissioner Enforcement at URA told the media on Monday 13th June 2022 that some of these trucks had forged number plates while others were carrying illicit goods.
“Remember that those who are smuggling are killing our economy. If anybody is not paying the rightful tax, he or she is endangering our economy and he or she is frustrating the big goal of the government to supply services to the population,” he said.
He said that the purpose of the operations is to protect the economy from people who want to bypass the system and dodge paying taxes, and also to promote locally produced products against unfair foreign competition.
“Our factories will only grow when you protect them through tax policies and tax measures through increasing taxes on these imported products like rice, garments among others” he said.
The intercepted trucks include; a Subaru F – Reg: UBJ855J Chasis: NZEI419000487 – Reason: Forged number plate imported from South Sudan, a Ford Ranger double cabin Reg: UG5414M Chasis: 6FPPXXMJ2PGE05898 – Reason: Conveying uncustomed goods – This was intercepted on 09th June 2022 with smuggled rice. (40 bags x 25 kgs of Sana rice are loaded on the double cabin) and, a truck number UBB 256H intercepted on 6th June 2022 from Nagwe Suburb Busia district with 1.6 tonnes of rice, 30balesx10bundlesx10pcs of kitenge material, 03 bales of ladies/girl’s polyester dresses.
“Zabike” operation also intercepted approximately 9 tonnes of assorted contraband cosmetics in Hoima that included among others; Carolight lightening cream, Diproson, Skin Light, Clairmen lightening cream, Coco pulp, citrolight, Cocoderm lightening cream, body lotion, body oil and soaps used for bleaching which are cancerous in nature.
