Katuna, Uganda – A tax baraza organized by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) at Katuna One Stop Border Point turned into a heated debate as traders accused security officials and URA customs officers of facilitating smuggling of various goods into the country.
The traders, led by Samuel Sserwanga Bunkeddeko, the chairperson for clearing agents at Katuna, Kyanika and Mirama Hills borders, Justus Tindimurekura, a tobacco trader at Katuna border and Bright Arineitwe, the chairperson of Bus Companies at Katuna border, claimed that security personnel and URA customs officers were taking bribes from smugglers to allow them to bypass the legal procedures.
They also complained that URA was imposing high taxes on some goods, such as tobacco, making them uncompetitive in the regional market.
URA officials, however, dismissed the allegations, saying they were doing their job diligently and cracking down on smuggling activities.
Gordon Mutungi, the officer in charge of the URA customs office at Katuna border post, said that they had impounded goods worth $15000 from smugglers between July and December 2023. He said that the most commonly smuggled goods were mobile phones, cosmetics, beers, and cattle.
The Kabale Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Ronald Bakak, warned the security personnel involved in smuggling to stop the vice or face the consequences.
He said that he was aware of the corruption among some security officers at the border and vowed to take action against them.
He urged the traders to cooperate with URA and follow the customs processes and procedures to avoid penalties and legal actions.
