Overview:
The consignment, which had entered Uganda from South Sudan through Nyarit—a porous border point between Parombo and Panyimur—was destined for Kampala.
The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has commended community vigilance after a tip-off led to the interception of a truck smuggling 200 cartons of Supermarch cigarettes worth UGX 200 million.
The consignment, which had entered Uganda from South Sudan through Nyarit—a porous border point between Parombo and Panyimur—was destined for Kampala.
URA enforcement teams stopped the truck in Pakwach after the driver, identified as Njakojo Ezra from Masindi District, initially refused officers access to inspect the vehicle. He was later arrested, and the truck impounded as investigations continue.
Simon Tumwesigye, URA’s Regional Manager for Enforcement and Border Control, praised the operation as a success, noting that community cooperation played a key role. He said smugglers often exploit unmonitored border points, causing significant tax losses and undermining regulation of goods entering the country.
The 200 cartons were transferred under tight security to URA headquarters in Nakawa. Officials estimated the tax loss from the consignment at UGX 300 million.
Tumwesigye added that URA has intensified community sensitization campaigns, crediting recent interceptions to public participation in identifying smugglers and resisting bribery attempts.