Government vehicle impounded at Mbale checkpoint for ferrying illegal goods

MBALE, Uganda — The Uganda Revenue Authority impounded an Electoral Commission vehicle Wednesday after it was caught allegedly transporting smuggled flour from the Kenyan border.

The vehicle, registered to the Manafwa District Electoral Commission office, was intercepted at the Mbale URA checkpoint on the Mbale-Tororo highway. Officials seized more than 30 cartons of Dunia white flour from Kenya during the operation.

James Maloba, the URA manager for the eastern region, confirmed the incident and said the vehicle is being held at the checkpoint.

Gilbert Meru, the Manafwa District registrar, acknowledged that the vehicle had been impounded. He said the driver used the government vehicle to transport smuggled goods without his knowledge or authorization.

Local residents expressed frustration over the incident, noting that the use of an Electoral Commission vehicle for illegal activity damages the agency’s reputation.