By Mike Rwothomio

On April 23, 2025, at approximately 2:00 PM, a targeted intelligence-led operation was executed in Yapi Ward, Abiri Cell, Ayivu East Division, Arua City, by a joint task force spearheaded by Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) enforcement officers.

The operation resulted in the seizure of 120 cartons of smuggled Supermatch cigarettes, a high-value consignment of illicit tobacco.

The West Nile regional Police Spokesperson SP Collins Asea, in the April 23, statement disclosed that, the seizure triggered backlash from the smuggling ring, which incited a group of youths to attack the security forces. 

"The joint team, moving on foot from the scene to Arua City center, faced resistance but was reinforced, enabling them to disperse the assailants." Asea's statement reads in part.

Asea added that, one of an unidentified individual was hit by stray bullet and later rushed to Arua regional referral hospital.

"During the confrontation, a stray bullet struck an unidentified individual in the buttocks, who was promptly evacuated to Arua Hospital for treatment" Asea said.

Police also said, the provoked youths also assaulted bystanders and vandalized property, damaging three vehicles UG 010028, belonging to the Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Yumbe, logged under Arua Central SD 59/23/04/2025, UGJ 631Z, a Probox owned by Kiwalyanga Julius, logged under SD 54/23/04/2025 and UBN 317H, an ambulance belonging to the Uganda Red Cross, logged under SD 08/23/04/2025 at Arua Regional Referral Police Post.

Victims of assault included:

Buyaya Mathew Vuni, D/RDC Yumbe, logged under SD 53/23/04/2025.

Yika Brian, a 19-year-old male resident of Arua City.

Multiple case files have been opened, and investigations are ongoing to identify, apprehend, and prosecute the perpetrators.

The seized 120 cartons of Supermatch cigarettes are now in the custody of URA’s Arua regional office.

Under the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA) 2004, as adopted by Uganda, smuggling is defined as the importation or exportation of goods with intent to evade taxes or duties, or the handling of prohibited/restricted goods.

Section 199 of the EACCMA criminalizes smuggling, with penalties including fines up to USD 5,000, imprisonment for up to seven years, or both.

Additionally, the Tobacco Control Act 2015 regulates tobacco products, mandating compliance with health and safety standards, which smuggled cigarettes often violate.

The URA Act empowers enforcement officers to conduct searches, seizures, and arrests to combat illicit trade, as demonstrated in this operation.

Public Advisory

The URA over the years, has been involved in a running battle with the West Nile community, over enforcement of laws on unregistered motorcycles and smuggled goods. The fracas has led to loss of lives and properties, with the latest one being the shootings that ended lives of some individuals in Madi-Okollo.

The URA urges the public to refrain from engaging in or supporting smuggling activities. Smuggling, often referred to as “kavuyo” in local slang, undermines government revenue, depriving the state of funds critical for public services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

Smuggling has long been a persistent challenge in Uganda, particularly in border regions like Arua, due to its proximity to porous borders with South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Common contraband includes tobacco, alcohol, fuel, and textiles, often trafficked through informal routes known as “panya routes.”

The illicit trade thrives on weak border controls, corruption, and economic incentives, as smuggled goods evade taxes and are sold at lower prices. Cigarettes, like the Supermatch brand seized, are a prime target due to high excise duties, making smuggling a lucrative venture for organized criminal networks.

Economic Impact

According to URA estimates, Uganda loses approximately UGX 600 billion (USD 160 million) annually to smuggling and illicit trade. This revenue shortfall hampers government efforts to fund critical development projects and public services.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at Zoomer Africa