The Jinja URA Enforcement team recently conducted a successful operation code-named Kivuli cha Dhahabu loosely meaning “Shadow of Gold.”

Acting on a tip-off about a shipment of smuggled phones imported through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and destined for Kampala, the team invested in intelligence and tracked the package to Jinja.

Outsmarting saboteurs monitoring their vehicle, the team unearthed an assortment of high-value phones, phone screens and used laptops valued at over $21,500 (equivalent to UGX 79,550,000).

The seized items included iPhones, Samsung phones, DJI Mini 4Pro drone and used laptops. Specifically, the haul consisted of 2 pieces 15pro max 512gb, 2 pieces of 14pro 256gb, 1piece of 14pro max 256, 1piece of 12pro max 128, 2 pieces of galaxy Z fold 6, 1 piece of galaxy z fold 5, 1piece of Galaxy z fold 4, 1piece of galaxy z flip6, 14 pieces Samsung Galaxy A55 5G, 386 pieces of Phone screens LCD, and 18 pieces of used laptops.

In another operation, the team received information about a truck loading sacks of materials in its cabin. They followed up and intercepted the truck at Kakira, controlling delivery to the base.

Upon verification, they found 1,052.5 square meters of polycotton curtain material, 313.6 square meters of curtain netting material, and 2,662.5 square meters of screen-printed spun rayon material.

These successful operations demonstrate the team’s dedication to combating smuggling and protecting Ugandan markets.

By Desmond Lumago