news 23 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Bank of Uganda Confirms Custody of $10.2 Million Seized by URA in Smuggling Bust
The Bank of Uganda has verified that it is holding the $10.2 million (Shs37.9 billion) intercepted by Uganda Revenue Authority from a smuggler returning from Turkey. The funds were handed over for safekeeping amid ongoing investigations by police and the Financial Intelligence Authority. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/we-re-holding-10-million-recovered-by-ura-says-bou-5433396
Officials at the Bank of Uganda (BoU) have confirmed they are securely holding $10.2 million, equivalent to about Shs37.9 billion, which the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) seized from a traveler returning from Turkey.
Andrew Elwana, BoU’s Head of Corporate Affairs, responded to inquiries by affirming that URA Commissioner General John Musinguzi handed over the confiscated cash for safe custody. This follows URA’s interception at the Lexus Warehouse in Namanve, where customs officer Enid Priscilla Katusiime discovered the undeclared funds during a routine check.
Katusiime became a national hero after rejecting a Shs300 million bribe offer, showcasing remarkable integrity. The incident has sparked a major probe by police and the Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA) into the smuggling attempt.
Recent reports addressed public questions, with URA Assistant Commissioner Robert Kalumba providing further details on the matter.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)