URA, BAT launch joint crackdown on illicit cigarette trade

Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has agreed to launch a six-month targeted operation aimed at curbing the trade in illicit cigarettes, in a renewed effort to promote fair competition and safeguard tax revenue. The decision comes after a strategic meeting between URA and British American Tobacco (BAT), one of the leading legal tobacco manufacturers in the region, held at URA headquarters in Nakawa.

The operation will focus on enhancing surveillance, enforcement, and cross-border collaboration to disrupt the illegal cigarette supply chains—especially of the popular Supermatch brand—that continue to flood Ugandan and regional markets. These illicit products often evade taxes, undercut legitimate businesses, and cost the government billions in revenue.

During the meeting, Mr. Chris Achola, BAT’s Cluster Head for Eastern and Southern Africa, commended URA for its ongoing anti-smuggling efforts. These include public destruction of seized contraband cigarettes, enforcement of packaging and labelling regulations, and joint operations with customs agencies across borders.

Achola urged URA to enforce batch numbering on all cigarettes manufactured in Uganda for export, to enhance traceability and help distinguish legal products from contraband. He also highlighted the need for collaboration between the tobacco industry and regulatory bodies to develop a policy framework for amending the Tobacco Control Act (TCA), in line with evolving enforcement needs and international best practices.

In response, URA officials encouraged the industry to share timely and actionable market intelligence with both the Customs and Domestic Taxes departments to support swift interventions against illicit trade. Commissioner for Customs, Mr. Asadu Kisitu Kigozi, advised BAT to be clear and specific in its proposed legal amendments and recommended the deployment of informants along critical smuggling routes, especially the porous South Sudan border.

Mr. Abel Kagumire, Commissioner for Executive Office Operations, emphasized the need for intelligence-led enforcement and praised BAT’s contributions to national revenue. He reiterated URA’s commitment to cracking down on illicit trade, which he said undermines lawful business and economic growth.

The BAT team also acknowledged the efforts of URA’s enforcement units, applauding recent successful operations to intercept and destroy smuggled cigarette consignments. They called for continued partnership to find long-term and effective strategies to combat the illicit trade.

This initiative marks a broader push by URA to address tax leakages and protect Uganda’s formal economy. According to URA, illicit cigarette trade not only harms lawful businesses but also undermines public health policies and creates loopholes for organized crime. The planned operation is expected to significantly enhance compliance and secure government revenue in the tobacco sector.