URA Headquarters in Nakawa. Right is URA CG John R. Musinguzi.
On Friday, May 8, 2026, the 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.
Moses Kyomuhendo, the Manager in charge of Operations said three tinted vehicles were intercepted transporting the illicit 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.
Mugoya added that 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.
The Assistant Commissioner for Public and Corporate Affairs, Robert 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.
In 2025, URA bolstered its anti-smuggling capabilities by procuring new high-speed patrol boats to monitor water bodies.
The boats aim at curbing the smuggling of goods—such as cigarettes, electronics, and textiles—across Lake Victoria, Lake Albert, and the Nile.
“Smuggling undermines legitimate trade and erodes economic stability, depriving our nation of vital revenue for development,” said URA Commissioner General John Musinguzi. According to the URA CG, although smugglers keep upping their game, the URA is ready to put up a fight against smuggling.
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