Smuggled whisky, cosmetics found in impounded taxis

Two commuter taxis and four motorcycles have been impounded in Mpondwe, Kasese District, for allegedly transporting smuggled goods into Uganda. The enforcement operation was carried out by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) in a continued crackdown on illicit trade along the country’s western border.

According to URA officials, the operation targeted known smuggling routes in the areas of Kabiliti, Karambi, Lubhiliha, and Rutoto—borderline zones near the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) often used by traffickers to move undeclared goods into Uganda.

The impounded taxis, bearing registration numbers UAZ 477N and UBF 216K, were reportedly found loaded with smuggled merchandise, including bales of printed Kitenge fabric, multiple cartons of Jack Daniel’s and Johnnie Walker Black Label whisky, as well as assorted cosmetics and skincare products.

Also seized were four motorcycles—registration numbers UFA 949W, UEX 723V, UFR 326P, and UFK 572R—which were allegedly being used to ferry contraband through smaller, less monitored routes.

URA said the owners of the vehicles could face penalties of up to USD 5,000 each under Section 199 of the East African Community Customs Management Act, 2004 (as amended). The law penalizes individuals who import or transport uncustomed goods and aims to discourage illegal trade that deprives the country of tax revenue and undermines licensed businesses.

“These operations demonstrate our continued resolve to curb smuggling and safeguard legitimate trade,” a URA spokesperson said. “We urge the public to report suspicious trade activities, especially in border districts, to help create a fair trading environment for all.”

Mpondwe and surrounding areas have long been identified as hotbeds for smuggling, given their proximity to the DRC and the porous nature of the border. Smugglers often use public transport vehicles or motorcycles to evade detection, posing both an economic and security threat.

The URA has in recent years increased its surveillance and enforcement in such regions through intelligence-led operations, mobile patrols, and collaboration with other security agencies.

Efforts to combat smuggling are part of broader government initiatives to increase domestic revenue mobilization and protect Uganda’s formal economy from unfair competition caused by illicit goods.

Investigations into the ownership and intended recipients of the impounded goods are ongoing, and URA says further arrests and prosecutions could follow.