The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) impounded a Mercedes-Benz ML 350 in Iganga after finding over 800 button phones hidden inside.
The Mercedes-Benz, known for its prestige, likely served as the smuggler’s choice to avoid suspicion. However, URA’s Iganga enforcement team, acting on a tip-off, foiled the plan. After night-long ambushes targeting several consignments, officers moved to Mayuge along Namayingo road, where a high-speed chase unfolded.
The Benz’s speed nearly outpaced URA’s pursuit, forcing the team to rethink their approach. “The car has been on our radar and at around 6:00am on Sunday morning, after a failed chase, we devised an abrupt attack on the target. We lay-low and pretended not to follow him anymore and he landed into a set trap ahead,” said Aidan Ssekatawa, an enforcement officer in Iganga.
Despite the driver’s attempt to flee, URA apprehended him and escorted the vehicle to their Iganga office. A search uncovered 860 ITEL phones, including 160 Itel5626 dual sim, 300 Itel5606 dual sim, 160 Itel5032A dual sim, and 240 Itel2160N 3-sim phones.
URA is now investigating the case. If found guilty, the smuggler faces a fine of up to USD 5,000 for the vehicle, as outlined in the East African Community Customs Management Act. Smuggled phones attract penalties of 50% of their value, with standard taxes including 10% import duty, 18% VAT, 6% WHT, and 1.5% infrastructural levy.
This seizure adds to URA’s ongoing efforts to curb phone smuggling nationwide, promoting fair trade for all Ugandans.
