Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) enforcement officers at Entebbe International Airport have intercepted 24,009 smuggled phone screens worth $90,000.
The operation targeted a growing black market where smugglers attempt to evade taxes on high-demand smartphone spare parts.
The confiscated shipment included 1,172 packets of button phone screens and 22,837 packets of LCD/LED phone screens.
These items, which require import duty, VAT (18%), withholding tax (6%), and an infrastructure levy (1.5%) under the East Africa Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA), were being brought into the country illegally.
Smugglers Exploit ‘Kadamas’ as Mules
URA’s Entebbe Enforcement and Border Control team focused on returning migrant workers, known as Kadamas, who are often tricked into carrying smuggled goods in exchange for quick cash.
During peak hours at the airport, officers noticed a group of women attempting to bypass customs without scanning their luggage.
When flagged for verification, they claimed their bags only contained used clothes and personal effects. However, their hesitation raised suspicion.
As more passengers gathered near the scanner area, the women suddenly bolted towards the parking lot, pushing their trolleys.
Officers pursued them, intercepting their getaway car, which was already running with the trunk open. Inside, six suitcases were found stuffed with phone screens hidden beneath layers of clothing.
Other Smuggling Attempts Foiled
The operation also uncovered additional smuggling methods:
- “Abandoned” Bags: Officers found four suitcases full of phone screens near a baggage handler’s office. Surveillance footage showed the owner delaying pickup to avoid detection.
- Airline Staff Involvement: A baggage handler was caught trying to sneak three suitcases full of phone screens disguised as “rush bags.”
- Coordinated Passenger Smuggling: Intelligence reports revealed smugglers breaking up shipments on the plane, distributing small amounts to passengers who later handed them over to an investor in the parking lot.
The operation ended with an enforcement officer ambushing the smuggler as he loaded his car. Officers recovered 3,175 phone screens, four MacBook Airs, and 20 smartphones.
URA Cracks Down on Smuggling Networks
Under EACCMA regulations, concealing goods to evade taxes carries a penalty of 50% of the item’s value. Failure to declare goods also violates sections 45 and 46, leading to additional penalties under section 209.
URA has strengthened passenger profiling and works closely with airport security teams monitoring CCTV footage.
These efforts extend surveillance to areas with limited customs presence, such as departure lounges, the VIP section, and the Old Airport.
The latest bust sends a clear warning: smuggling at Entebbe Airport will not go unnoticed. URA remains committed to enforcing tax compliance and protecting Uganda’s economy from illegal trade.
