Global Rice News

Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has recently launched an initiative to combat cross-border crime by working together with other government agencies. This move comes in response to the growing problem of smuggling. In the past week, URA’s border and enforcement personnel have successfully apprehended suspects and confiscated various items along the eastern, western, and southern routes.

Among the most frequently smuggled items in the east is rice, with six vehicles seized in just one week. The impounded vehicles include a Toyota Wish UBK101R, a minibus UAW376M, a Toyota Nadia UAX491M, a Toyota Corona UAK643T, and a customized cement truck UBK422R. Together, these vehicles were found to be carrying a total of 10 tons of smuggled rice. During their operation, URA teams discovered 407 bags of rice concealed in various ways, with brands including Sana, Muhamood, Baraf, and Hilal.

Intelligence from informants played a key role in uncovering these smuggling attempts. In one instance, a cement truck was found to have bags purportedly carrying oranges, but upon inspection, 26 bags of rice were discovered inside. Similarly, a FUSO truck was transporting 260 bags of re-bagged rice from Pakistan. Import tax on rice produced within the East African Community (EAC) is set at zero percent, while rice from other regions is taxed at 75 percent under the Common External Tariff regime of the EAC.

To address the issue of imported rice, URA recently acquired a machine from the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO) that conducts tests to determine the rice’s origin. This machine will help in identifying and penalizing cases of smuggling. In addition, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed in Kampala last week to strengthen collaboration among various agencies in combating economic crimes such as tax evasion, money laundering, illicit financial flows, and cyber threats.

In another case, URA’s enforcement team in Jinja intercepted a truck, UBN075J, transporting re-bagged rice from Pakistan. The team received intelligence about a truck that was heading to Kampala, disguising the imported rice as local rice. Upon verification, a total of 520 bags of rice were found, half of which contained rice from Pakistan and the other half contained local rice. Offense management procedures are currently underway to ensure that the culprits face appropriate penalties.

Smuggling attempts have also been intercepted in other regions. In Jinja, a van carrying contraband laptops and other items was apprehended after the smugglers switched vehicles to avoid detection. Meanwhile, in Fort Portal, a store containing smuggled cosmetics was discovered. These cosmetics not only evaded taxes but also violated regulations, as some contain prohibited substances. Smuggling of illegal cosmetics is especially prevalent in areas near Lake Albert, Mpondwe, Hoima, Congo, Bunagana, and Butogota.

URA, along with other government agencies, is committed to cracking down on smuggling activities. By working together, they aim to protect Uganda’s economy, maintain the integrity of the tax system, and ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens. Importing or consuming prohibited products, such as illegal cosmetics, not only poses health risks but also undermines the collection of taxes that support essential services.

Source: [The Independent](https://www.independent.co.ug/)