Entebbe Enforcement Team intercepts over 20,000 smuggled phone screens

The Entebbe Enforcement and Border Control team has intercepted 1,172 packets of button phone screens and 22,837 packets of LCD/LED phone screens valued at approximately USD 90,000.

The operation targeted high-value contraband, as the growing demand for smartphone spare parts has led to an increase in smuggling by individuals evading customs duties.

The enforcement team specifically focused on individuals commonly referred to as ‘Kadamas’—often returning workers lured into ferrying undeclared goods in exchange for quick cash.

During peak hours at the airport, when three major flights had landed, a group of ‘Kadamas’ attempted to bypass customs without scanning their luggage, hoping the heavy passenger traffic would serve as cover. However, an alert border control officer flagged them for verification. When asked to open their bags, the women resisted, claiming they only carried personal effects and used clothes.

As they lingered near the scanner area, seemingly planning their next move, one of the women abruptly turned and, together with her companions, fled the terminal with their trolleys. Officers quickly gave chase, intercepting them in the parking lot where a getaway vehicle—engine running and trunk open—awaited. Six suitcases were retrieved and found to contain phone screens hidden beneath layers of used clothing.

Surveillance operations in the airport also bore fruit. One officer recovered four bags of phone screens that had been abandoned near the handlers’ offices, while another enforcement officer intercepted an airline handler attempting to smuggle out three overstuffed suitcases disguised as “rush bags.”

In a separate incident, intelligence reports alerted officers to a smuggling tactic involving consolidation of items in the airport parking lot. The smugglers had broken down bulk shipments of phone screens during the flight, distributing them among passengers to carry in small quantities. Once past the luggage area, the goods were handed over to a waiting accomplice in the parking lot. As the “investor” was loading his vehicle, unaware he was under surveillance, an enforcement officer ambushed him, recovering 3,175 phone screens, four MacBook Airs, and 20 assorted smartphones.

Smartphone screens, like other imports, are subject to the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA) 2004 (as amended), and attract import duty, VAT of 18%, withholding tax of 6%, and an infrastructure levy of 1.5%.

Concealment of goods with the intent to smuggle contravenes Section 202 of the EACCMA and carries a penalty of 50% of the value of the goods. Failure to declare goods also violates Sections 45 and 46, with penalties administered under Section 209.

To counter such incidents, the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has enhanced passenger profiling capabilities and collaborates closely with airport operators and security teams, including those managing CCTV surveillance. These partnerships help Customs monitor high-risk areas like the Departures Lounge, VIP section, and the Old Airport terminal where their physical presence may be limited.