URA Recovers $10.2 Million Concealed in Container as Musinguzi’s Push for Physical Verification Pays Off

‎The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has recovered USD 10.2 million concealed in a container, in what officials say is a major breakthrough linked to Commissioner General John Musinguzi Rujoki’s directive on physical verification of cargo. Uganda travel guide

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‎For years, URA relied heavily on documentation such as invoices to clear goods. However, the system was increasingly exploited by importers who underdeclared cargo to evade taxes—declaring, for instance, 100 items instead of the actual 1,000.

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‎Musinguzi has consistently pushed for physical inspection of containers to curb such practices, a move that is now yielding results.

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‎The latest recovery was made by a 30-year-old customs officer during a routine verification exercise. The officer, whose identity has been withheld, discovered the concealed cash packed in four boxes inside a container declared as carrying personal effects of a Ugandan returning from Turkey.

‎“I opened one box and it had kitchenware, but upon opening the next one, I saw paper money,” she recounted.

‎According to URA, the clearing agent attempted to persuade the officer not to report the discovery, suggesting it was her “time to get rich.” She declined and escalated the matter to her supervisors.

‎The officer was recognised and rewarded at a ceremony held at the Commissioner General’s Board Room.

‎Speaking at the event, Musinguzi described her actions as “heroic,” praising her integrity and professionalism

‎Your firm resolve to uphold integrity despite pressure not to declare the money reflects a high standard of accountability that the institution embodies,” he said in a commendation letter.

‎He added that her conduct reinforces URA’s mission of mobilising domestic revenue in a transparent and efficient manner.

‎“This is the integrity I am talking about. We can do it,” added Musinguzi, commending the lady, and her team.

‎URA Assistant Commissioner for Public and Corporate Affairs, Robert Kalumba, confirmed that a suspect linked to the concealment is in custody and undergoing interrogation.

‎“We handed the suspect over to security, and he is undergoing a set of inquiries,” Kalumba said.

‎He described the customs officer as a person of exceptional character, embodying URA’s core values of integrity, patriotism, and professionalism.