Major Baguma Birungi is in trouble for his alleged involvement in smuggling contraband cigarettes. He was picked up together with three others in a major operation conducted by the enforcement team from the Uganda Revenue Authority-URA. The other others are Luzinga Dickens, Kayuma Davis, and Aradukunda Hillary, all residents of Ssenge village in Naluvule Parish, Wakiso Sub-county, Wakiso district.
The four are facing charges related to the possession of prohibited goods, according to URA TID/GEF/09/2024. The operation, carried out last week, resulted in the confiscation of 64 boxes of flavored Oris Platinum Double Apple Cigarettes at a residential house in Ssenge, Wakiso district, acting as their consolidation center.
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Ibrahim Bbosa, the assistant commissioner for public and corporate affairs at URA, confirmed that the confiscated contraband cigarettes amounted to over 6400 sticks, with a tax value of approximately 140 million Shillings. The team also impounded a Subaru Forester, a Toyota Hiace (Super Custom), and a Toyota Vitz used to smuggle the cigarettes.
The URA plans to use the impounded vehicles and the 10 million shillings, which the suspects attempted to use as a bribe, as evidence in court to strengthen the case against them. Bbosa highlighted the URA’s commitment to combating smuggling and its proactive approach to apprehending culprits.
The involvement of a UPDF officer in contraband activities raises concerns about the integrity of individuals in authoritative positions. The incident underscores the ongoing challenge of smuggling in Uganda’s tax administration, where the country loses significant revenue. The URA continues to employ various strategies and collaborate with local communities to curb illicit activities.
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