URA Seizes Massive Consignment of Smuggled Mobile Phones, Suspect Arrested

Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) impounded an enormous consignment of mobile phones, estimated to fill nearly a full shipping container. The taxman believes the value of the phones could yield over one billion shillings in recovered taxes once fully assessed.

The operation targeted shipments belonging to Isma Mugoya, a known serial smuggler. Three tinted vehicles were intercepted transporting the smuggled phones, and subsequent investigations led URA officials to Mugoya’s storage facility, where additional mobile phones—both smart and basic types—were recovered. Mugoya has since been handed over to the police as further inquiries continue.

According to Assistant Commissioner for Public and Corporate Affairs, Robert Kalumba, the smuggling operation’s route started in China, with the phones arriving at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport before being ferried across Lake Victoria to landing sites such as Katosi in Mukono and others. From there, the goods made their way to the central business district of Kampala.

Kalumba confirmed the arrest of Mugoya and impounding of three cars loaded with phones. He warned traders against tax evasion, emphasizing that compliance ensures a fairer burden for all taxpayers and curbs unfair competition against genuine businesses. Kalumba reiterated URA’s commitment to ongoing operations targeting tax compliance across Uganda.