The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) impounded 427 smuggled mobile phones worth an estimated USD35,000 (about Shs125 million) from returning passengers at Entebbe Airport. URA's enforcement team seized the phones during a series of operations.
As the end of the financial year approached, smugglers attempted to bypass regulations with increasingly creative methods. Some resorted to hiding the contraband inside their clothing, using fashion as a cover. Men were found wearing corsets, while elderly women used garters or leggings with special pockets. Jackets were stuffed with phones, resembling cramped living spaces in Kyanja.
One woman was caught with phones strapped tightly around her torso and thighs. Upon inspection, she was found to be concealing 32 brand-new Samsung phones. Another individual had a suspicious bulge labelled “BBL,” which was later discovered to be an artificial bum hiding 24 assorted phones.
The operation also uncovered mobile phones concealed by several Eritrean and Sudanese nationals. One Eritrean, in particular, drew the officers’ attention due to a strange “humpback” appearance. A quick physical check revealed he was wearing a corset filled with 23 Samsung A23 phones.
In total, the operation led to the interception of 427 phones, and the authorities are continuing with offence management.
