URA Customs Officer Exposes $10.2 Million Hidden in Cargo, Praised for Integrity

Kampala April 16, 2026 - A Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) customs officer has been commended for uncovering $10.2 million (approximately Shs38 billion) in undeclared cash concealed within household items belonging to a passenger returning from Turkey. The discovery was made during a routine cargo inspection, when the officer flagged a shipment that initially appeared to contain ordinary personal effects. Upon physical verification, she reportedly found bundles of foreign currency hidden inside sealed boxes. The URA Commissioner General John Musinguzi Rujoki later publicly honoured the officer, praising her integrity and refusal to accept an alleged bribe offered in connection with the case. According to URA, the customs officer-whose identity has been withheld for security reasons-encountered attempts to influence her decision shortly after the discovery, including offers of financial inducement. “The moment I discovered the money, the clearing agent started convincing me not to escalate the matter, saying it was my time to get rich,” she was quoted as saying during an internal recognition ceremony. URA officials said she resisted pressure and proceeded with enforcement procedures, leading to the seizure of the undeclared funds. Musinguzi described her conduct as exemplary, saying it reflected the standards expected of enforcement officers in protecting public revenue and upholding institutional integrity. “You have shown a high standard of accountability,” he said, adding that the action reinforced URA’s anti-smuggling and compliance mandate. The interception occurred during inspection of a container belonging to a Ugandan traveler arriving from Turkey. Officials said the shipment contained multiple boxes that initially appeared to carry household goods, but further examination revealed concealed foreign currency. URA emphasized that the case underscores the importance of physical cargo inspections alongside risk-based profiling systems used in customs clearance. These include red-channel physical inspections, documentary verification, and post-clearance audits. The authority also reiterated its use of digital declarations and cargo scanning technologies aimed at strengthening transparency and reducing opportunities for smuggling or concealment of undeclared assets. URA said the officer’s actions serve as an example to staff across the institution, reinforcing its mandate to safeguard national revenue through strict enforcement and professional conduct.