Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has recovered 80 smuggled used computer monitors during an intelligence-led enforcement operation at the Malaba border, dealing a blow to illegal cross-border trade through ungazetted entry points.
The operation, conducted by the URA Malaba Enforcement Team, targeted smugglers using the notorious “panya” routes linking Kenya and Uganda.
According to URA, intelligence gathered on the night of July 31, 2026, indicated that five motorcyclists planned to smuggle a consignment of used computer monitors into Uganda through the Nile B panya route at around 3:00 a.m.
Acting on the tip-off, enforcement officers positioned themselves along the suspected route and intercepted the lead rider as the group attempted to cross into Uganda.
“The intelligence-led operation, conducted by the Malaba Enforcement Team, targeted the illegal importation of goods through the notorious panya routes connecting Kenya and Uganda,” URA said in a statement.
URA said the remaining four riders abandoned the mission after noticing the interception and returned the consignment to a nearby storage facility instead of proceeding with the illegal delivery.
The authority said the operation continued the following day after fresh intelligence revealed the location where the goods had been concealed.
“On 1 August 2026, fresh intelligence pinpointed the exact location where the computers had been hidden. The enforcement team immediately mounted a follow-up operation at the identified premises, successfully recovering the concealed monitors,” URA said.
Verification by the enforcement team confirmed that the recovered consignment comprised 80 used computer monitors, all suspected to have been smuggled into Uganda.
URA noted that the importation of used computer equipment is regulated under the East African Community Customs Management Act (EACMA), and attempts to evade customs controls constitute offences under the law.
The tax body said the successful operation demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-led enforcement in disrupting smuggling networks operating along Uganda’s borders.
“The successful operation affirms that whereas smugglers may prefer operating under the cover of darkness, enforcement officers are proving they can be just as comfortable with an early morning wake-up call,” URA said.
URA has in recent months intensified surveillance and enforcement operations along major border points and illegal crossing routes as part of efforts to combat smuggling, protect legitimate trade and safeguard government revenue.
