Gulu, Uganda – Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) Enforcement teams have intensified their crackdown on cigarette smuggling across northern Uganda, successfully impounding 5,945 bombas of illegal Super Match cigarettes.
The seizures, which span across the Gulu, Arua, and Corner Kamdini areas, highlight the ongoing battle against smuggling syndicates attempting to flood the local market with illicit goods.
On a key operation at the Gulu Logistics Hub, URA enforcement officers intercepted two vehicles loaded with 4,500 bombas of smuggled Super Match cigarettes.
The cigarettes, originating from South Sudan, were discovered in Rom village, located in Koro Lapainat.
The vehicles, which were transporting the contraband, were impounded, and the operation dealt a significant blow to the smuggling route in the region.
Similarly, the Arua URA enforcement team conducted another successful operation at a consolidation center in Manibe.
The team uncovered 100 cartons of Super Match cigarettes, further thwarting the smuggling efforts in the western border region.
Of recent on Thursday, 10th April 2025, in Corner Kamdini led to the arrest of a suspect driving a black Toyota Ipsum, registration number UAT 452J.
The vehicle was fully loaded with 1,345 bombas of Super Match cigarettes.
Upon verification, the contraband was confirmed to be part of a larger smuggling ring operating in the region.
The vehicle was confiscated and is currently in URA custody as the search for the owner continues.
These seizures are part of a broader effort by URA to combat the increasing illegal cigarette trade in Uganda.
The enforcement teams continue to closely monitor border areas, transportation hubs, and known smuggling routes to curb the entry of contraband goods into the local market.
URA has urged the public to report any suspicious activities related to smuggling and has promised strict enforcement of penalties for those found guilty of violating the country’s importation laws.
The authorities are also calling for more collaboration with neighbouring countries, especially South Sudan, to address the transnational nature of these smuggling networks.