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The passenger, whose identity remains unknown, was found with a suspiciously packaged sack, commonly known as an “usofia,” tightly fastened to his person. The UGX 5,000 counterfeit notes were neatly stacked in the sack, prompting immediate suspicion from the officers. Upon being asked to open the sack for inspection, the passenger complied, stepping out of the taxi and assuring the driver to continue the journey as his destination was Jinja.
As the officers inspected the contents of the sack, they discovered 30 bundles of counterfeit currency, totalling an astonishing UGX 65 million. The counterfeit notes were carefully packed, giving the appearance of genuine cash. However, while the team was counting the notes, the passenger mysteriously disappeared into the early morning darkness, leaving the officers stunned.
Similar incident
This incident bears striking resemblance to another case in March 2023, where URA intercepted three individuals in Busia attempting to smuggle UGX 40 million of fake currency into Uganda aboard a modern coast bus. The counterfeit currency was seized, and the suspects were arrested at the time.
The URA has reiterated that the smuggling of counterfeit currency violates the law, specifically the second schedule of the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACCMA) 2004, as amended. This law prohibits the importation or transportation of false money, counterfeit currency, and any money not meeting established standards of weight or fineness. Offenders are liable to a penalty of 50% of the value of the seized items, and in the case of counterfeit notes, imprisonment is mandated for the culprits.
Investigations into the latest incident are ongoing as the URA, in collaboration with law enforcement officers, continues to search for the fugitive and ascertain the motive behind the smuggling attempt. The tax body remains vigilant in its efforts to ensure compliance with tax regulations and control illegal trade across the country’s borders.