By Our Reporter
BUSIA
A Kitenge fabrics smuggler has been arrested with over 790 pieces of the waxed cotton kitenge en-route Tororo from Busia border.
The smuggler whose identity URA has not revealed was arrested on the night of Saturday, November 15.
The kitenge smuggler, was intercepted in Tororo District after a spirited chase by the URA Enforcement Team.
Officials say the suspect, who was driving a Bighorn Isuzu, registration number UAP 446G, first engaged them in a high-speed chase that started from Busia and extended to Tororo.
“Despite our repeated signals instructing the driver to stop, he refused to comply. We then carefully maneuvered ahead of the suspect, and upon realizing he could not outrun our team, the driver stopped,” an enforcement officer narrated.
The vehicle was escorted to the Malaba Enforcement Office, where detailed verification revealed 79 bundles of waxed cotton kitenge fabric, with each containing 10 pieces. The case is being managed in accordance with customs laws.
This incident comes just weeks after another individual was intercepted with smuggled kitenge fabric in Mbale District, early this month. Officials have connected the increase in the smuggling of fabric to the upcoming festive season.
“Our teams are more vigilant, and we shall ensure all traders go through proper customs procedures,” said Moses Wanjala, the acting Manager of Enforcement Operations for the Eastern region, as he highlighted URA’s increased surveillance.
