Smuggling of commodities to Uganda from Neighbouring Countries though porous borders worries Authorities.
NEWS: Authorities from Bordering districts have shown worry over the increased smuggling activities along the Uganda-Rwanda and Congo land borders via porous channels.
The Uganda Revenue Authority Southwestern Region Manager Mr. Ssozi Geoffrey Kawere, told this reporter there has been a decrease in the taxes collected from the commodities entering the country due to the increased illegal entering of commodities.
He added that the vice has deprived their traders of operating in a fair and competitive environment as those who dodge taxes sell their products cheaply on the market thus affecting others.
Mr. Ssozi Geoffrey added that the most smuggled items include; Beer, Mabati/Ion sheets from Congo and bata among others.
“The most smuggled items to Uganda include Beer, Mabati/Iron sheets which are mainly smuggled from Congo. And if the people continue these illegal activities and don’t pay taxes, it means that they are going to sell their products cheaply thus affecting those who are passing through normal ways” said Ssozi Geoffrey Kawere.
The Kabale District Deputy RDC Ronald Bakaki said that the individuals who pass through rightful channels are always protected from Hazardous things like theft, misplacement of commodities among others.
He added that people are entitled to paying taxes and the illegal entrants are a threat to a growing country like Uganda where we have to generate income through people paying taxes ahead of reducing fake commodities like medicines and drinks among others. Uganda being a landlocked country, it shares borders with countries of South Sudan to the North, Kenya to the East, Tanzania and Rwanda to the South and Democratic Republic of Congo to the West.
