By Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has arrested a major suspect believed to be at the centre of a sophisticated smartphone smuggling network operating in downtown Kampala.
The coordinated enforcement operation, carried out by Team One Enforcement, intercepted a large consignment of illegally imported mobile phones, marking one of URA’s biggest breakthroughs in recent months. Preliminary estimates show the seizure could recover more than Shs500 million in taxes and penalties once investigations conclude.
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According to URA, downtown Kampala particularly the electronics corridor running from Kampala Road to Luwum Street has increasingly become a hotspot for suspiciously cheap smartphones. Many of these devices appear on the market before official distributors announce new stock, raising concerns about disguised shipments and refurbished stolen phones.
Enforcement officers say smugglers have adopted highly creative concealment methods. Phones are often hidden inside clothing, hollowed-out laptops, and power bank casings. Others use long-distance buses as mobile storage units, while motorcycle couriers weave through city traffic to evade surveillance. A growing tactic, known as “human warehousing,” involves individuals carrying small quantities of phones across borders in coordinated waves.
During verification, URA officers recovered 4,371 mobile phones, ranging from basic Nokia button sets to high-end Samsung Galaxy models.
Alex Murungi, one of the enforcement officers, said URA is committed to dismantling smuggling networks that undermine the economy. “As transformational warriors, we shall not drop the baton until the phone market is cleaned of these economic saboteurs,” he said.
URA warns that smartphone smuggling not only deprives government of key revenue but also destabilizes legitimate importers and exposes consumers to counterfeit or stolen devices with no warranties.
The tax body says it will continue tightening border controls, refining import systems, and investing in advanced enforcement tools to stay ahead of increasingly tech-savvy smuggling operations.
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