news 22 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
URA Defends Procedures in $10.2M Smuggling Interception from Turkey
The Uganda Revenue Authority has clarified its handling of the $10.2 million cash discovery hidden in a shipment of kitchen items, insisting it followed protocol by immediately notifying security agencies. Officials dismissed rumors of staff rewards and emphasized the importance of routine physical checks. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/ura-answers-queries-on-10m-cash-smuggling-case-5433228
The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has addressed public concerns over the interception of $10.2 million (approximately Shs37.6 billion) smuggled into the country via a container from Turkey, declared as household goods.
In an interview, URA’s Assistant Commissioner for Public and Corporate Affairs, Robert Kalumba, explained that the cash was uncovered during a standard physical inspection at Lexus Warehouses in Namanve. Officers noticed forks atop a box, revealing hidden currency underneath, highlighting the value of such verifications over invoice reliance alone.
URA notified the Bank of Uganda, Financial Intelligence Authority, and other security bodies right away, adhering to protocol. Kalumba stressed that public statements took a backseat to securing the funds and alerting authorities.
Rumors of a Shs50 million reward to the involved officer were debunked; she received only a certificate for her integrity in rejecting a bribe and reporting the find. Photos of the officer circulating online did not originate from URA, and her safety is assured.
Investigation details, including ownership of linked firms, clearing agents, and any international escalation to Turkey, rest with security agencies. URA’s role ended with detection, securing the cash, and handover.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)