In a bid to protect the health Ugandans, URA has seized large quantities of skin bleaching creams containing hydroquinone mercury, a substance linked to cancer. The creams were cleverly concealed in banana fibres and crates of matooke (bananas) during transportation.
The URA enforcement team in Mpondwe conducted two successful raids, one in Bunyaruguru town on February 7th, 2025, and another at Katunguru on February 11th, 2025. The seized creams included; Coco pulp Cream, Caro Light Cream and Maxi-Clair Cream. These creams pose serious health risks, including cancer, due to the presence of hydroquinone mercury.
The URA has emphasized the importance of protecting Ugandans from such harmful products. The seized creams will be disposed of in accordance with the East African Customs Management Act (EACMA) of 2004. This is not the first time the URA has taken action against harmful contraband.
In August 2024, they destroyed contraband goods worth over 1 billion Ugandan shillings, and in December 2024, they destroyed 36.64 tons of illicit cigarettes valued at UGX 1,684,107,271.
Moses Kyomuhendo, the Manager of Customs Enforcement for Central Region, stated these products are smuggled in and sold cheaply, suffocating the local market and potentially damaging the health of Ugandans.
Despite continuous smuggling of contraband items, URA has intensified intelligence guided operations leveraging the use of Non-Intrusive Inspection technology at the border points and field intelligence enforcement operations. URA is also intensifying tax education awareness, especially on the dangers of smuggling to the individual, the community and the economy.
By Joshua Niyonshima
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