Ugandan Revenue Authority (URA) officials intercepted a passenger bus from Kenya on Friday, September 13, carrying over 32 million Ugandan shillings (approximately $8,600) worth of undeclared Congolese currency and various undeclared goods.
The Buscar bus, with Kenyan registration KDG 377G, was stopped in Nakawa division after intelligence reports prompted URA enforcement officers to conduct a re-inspection. The vehicle operates on the Kampala-Nairobi route.
Upon thorough examination, authorities discovered a hidden compartment containing 16 bundles of Congolese banknotes and a carton of beaded jewelry. The bus was also found to be transporting undeclared assorted goods including body creams, lotions, perfumes, and motor vehicle spare parts.
URA officials reported that the bus had initially offloaded declared cargo at the URA Bus terminal before attempting to proceed to the Central Business District, presumably to unload the undeclared items.
Under Ugandan law, individuals entering or leaving the country with cash or negotiable instruments exceeding 1,500 currency points (equivalent to 30 million Ugandan shillings) must declare it to URA Customs at the border. This regulation, part of the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2013, aims to promote financial transparency.
The intercepted goods were tagged to various individuals, including Mohammed Lubowa, Rose Mayuuko, and others. A significant portion of the undeclared items consisted of skincare products and perfumes.
URA spokesperson Ibrahim Bbossa stated, “We urge the public and traders to always follow the correct Customs procedures while importing goods into the country to avoid falling prey to unlawful trade practices and adverse consequences.”
The bus company may face fines of up to $5,000 under the East African Community Customs Act for its alleged role in smuggling.
Nilepost.co.ug
