Uganda Revenue Authority has impounded a Toyota G Touring, Reg. No. UAD 513W, belonging to Ongom Ochola Jacob, who has allegedly been using it to smuggle Supermatch cigarettes to South Sudan.

The vehicle was intercepted on 16th January at Lacor Trading Centre as it approached Gulu City.

At the time of interception, the vehicle was holding 6 sacks containing 20 cartons of Supermatch cigarettes manufactured for export.

According to URA records, cigarettes are among the most smuggled items; recently, the revenue body destroyed more than 36 tonnes of illegal cigarettes worth UGX 1.6 billion.

Following his arrest, Ongom and his driver, Akena Charles, were handed over to the intelligence team for further management.

As required by East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA) sections 199(iii) and 200, Ongom will also part with a USD 5,000 fine for the Toyota G touring used in this smuggling incident.

In response to the persistent smuggling, URA has employed non-intrusive technology, implemented strategies to use intelligence to target consolidation, enhanced forfeiture means of smuggling, and prosecution of people involved in the vice.

By Irene Kabakama