The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) Enforcement and Border Control team at Entebbe International Airport has intercepted a smuggling attempt involving thousands of undeclared mobile phone screens concealed in travelers’ luggage.
The operation led to the seizure of 1,172 packets of button phone screens and 22,837 packets of LCD/LED screens, with a total value of $90,000 (approximately Shs329 million).
According to the URA team, they had been closely monitoring a trend involving returning migrant workers, commonly referred to as ‘Kadamas,’ who are often exploited by smugglers and promised easy money for carrying bags through customs without declaring them.
Last week, enforcement officers carried out an operation during a peak hour at the airport, when three international flights had landed simultaneously. A group of returning ‘Kadamas’ attempted to bypass customs with their trolleys stacked with suitcases. Instead of following standard customs procedures, they tried to avoid baggage scanning.
A border control officer flagged them for verification, suspecting irregularities. When confronted, the women claimed they were only carrying personal effects and used clothes. The group then sprinted out of the arrivals terminal with their luggage, heading toward the parking lot.
However, the enforcement team intercepted them and recovered six suitcases. Upon inspection, officers discovered phone screens hidden beneath layers of used clothing.
In a similar operation, enforcement officers discovered four abandoned bags full of phone screens near the airline handlers’ offices. It is reported that the suspect was buying time to sneak them out later.
Another airport handler was caught red-handed trying to wheel out three heavily loaded “rush bags” filled with screens, disguised to look like last-minute check-in items.
Officers also received a tip-off about passengers breaking bulk in-flight and distributing smaller quantities among themselves. Upon landing, they regrouped in the restrooms and luggage belt area before heading to the parking lot to hand over the items to the mastermind. The enforcement team intercepted them, recovering 3,175 additional phone screens, four MacBook Airs, and 20 assorted smartphones.
URA says that, like all imports, phone screens are subject to customs regulations and taxes.
