Joel Twesigye Bazanye officer domestic taxes speaking during the Barraza in Moyo. Photo by Stephen Unzimai.

By Stephen Unzimai

Moyo

Uganda revenue authority has cautioned business communities in Moyo district to desist from smuggling, sighting the dangers and how much the government could be losing in this.

Located at the border to South Sudan, many of the business operators are tempted to smuggle which is illegal.

Mr. Simon Tumwesigye, the Regional Manager Custom’s enforcement and boarder control northern Uganda, says smuggling is unlawful and prohibited.

“The citizens of Uganda should desist from Smuggling because it is illegal and not allowed in our country Uganda, it puts our lives at risks and it has taken lives of many people, so why should we endanger our lives?’’ he asked.

This came from a community Barraza organized by URA in Moyo district on Tuesday September 10, 2024 to sensitize and address challenges of paying taxes.

Mr. Okunzi Richard, a business person says smuggling is long overdue, government needs to get a lasting solution. “The issue of smuggling has dragged for a long period of time in Uganda, I would suggest the government holds an internal discussion to solve the problem, for example in East Africa, the government can set regulations for merging prices of goods across all the countries under East Africa so that sneaking of goods from one  country to another stops.’’

While, Mr.  Vukoni Norbert a former smuggler thinks the youths and the business people need more support for them to come out of the illegal business. “It would be very helpful if minimum taxes are being levied on the goods that would encourage our business people and the youths to come out of the illegal business of smuggling.’’  Mr. Vukoni suggested.

Mr. Gore Goffin the RDC Moyo advised the said smugglers to get alternative businesses for survival.  “I want to ask those who have been involved in smuggling to desist from it, because it is going to be expensive for you to sustain the business, it is not the right way to operate in a business, find other better business opportunities.’’ Mr. Gore advised.

Smuggling is importing or exporting secretly and illegally especially to avoid paying tax duties or to dodge enforcement of laws.

It’s noted that essential items like sugar, cooking oil, petrol and rice are smuggled into the country through the porous borders from South Sudan and Congo.