Some of the recovered items from smugglers.
Mutukula, Uganda — URA’s Customs enforcement officers intercepted a smuggling operation in Kakuuto Town on the morning of February 10, 2026, recovering a large consignment of undeclared textile materials following a coordinated operation along routes leading to the Lukoma area.
The interception followed intelligence received from a confidential informant indicating that a group of motorcycle smugglers planned to exploit rainy weather conditions to ferry contraband across the border, believing enforcement teams would be less active.
Acting on the tip-off, customs officers swiftly deployed and set up a targeted ambush to intercept the convoy. However, the smugglers employed counter-surveillance tactics, including deploying a decoy rider ahead of the group. The decoy successfully detected the enforcement presence and alerted the rest of the riders, who immediately altered their routes.
With the initial plan compromised, the enforcement team adjusted tactics. Acting on the advice of a fleet assistant, officers split into multiple units and covered alternative routes commonly used by smugglers.
The strategy paid off.
Faced with a tightened dragnet, the smugglers abandoned their cargo and fled, some on foot and others on motorcycles, evading arrest.
The enforcement team recovered:
- 200 pieces of polycotton material, each measuring 30 yards by 36 inches
- 40 rolls of plain polyester fabric, each measuring 25 yards by 58 inches
- 40 rolls of printed polyester fabric, each measuring 25 yards by 58 inches
Customs officials said investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend the suspects involved, warning smugglers against exploiting weather conditions or border terrain to evade enforcement.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to protecting legitimate trade and curbing smuggling activities along the Mutukula border corridor.
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